MortalTemptations

Mortal–Book1

ByAllysonJames

1

Midtown,Manhattan

WHENPatriciadescendedtoinvestigatethenoiseinherantiquestore,shefoundamanwithabroken
wingstretchedunconsciousacrossthefloor.

Hedidn’thavewhiteangelwingsortransparentdragonflywings;theywereshiningsatinblack,feathers
gleamingandglisteninginthedawnhalf-lightastheyspilledaroundhisbody.Onewingcradledhisbare
torsoasthoughcushioninghisfall,andtheotherwasbroken.

Patriciaplayedherflashlightoverhim,takinginmuscled,broadshoulders,achestdustedwithdarkhair,
narrowhipshuggedbybluedenim,andastrongthroatencircledbyathingoldchain.Hehaddarkhair
longenoughtoflowoverthestore’suglybeigecarpetandasquare,handsomeface.Hiseyeswere
closed,lashesrestingonfirmcheekbones.Hislegsweretwisted,onearmflungouttobreakhisfall.

Andwings.

Thebrokenwinglayatarightanglefromhisback,theendsfanningacrossthefloor.Strewnaboutthe
featherswerethingshe’dsweptfromthecounterswhenhefell:anentirestandofnecklaces,aboxof
sparklingpins,andabisquedollwho’dlandedafewfeetfromhimwithherlegswantonlyintheair.

Patriciacouldn’tblameher.Hewassexyashell.

Hertwocats,RedKittyandIsis,saunteredinfromthebackroom.Theysatontheirhaunchesandstared
athim,probablywonderingwhetherhewasoverlargepreyorsomeonewiththepotentialoffillingthe
foodbowl.Eitherway,theycouldn’tlose.

Werehiswingsacostume?Butnocostume-shopcreationcouldmatchthosegloriousfeathersandthe
perfectiontowhichtheyfithim.Whenshecroucheddowntocarefullytouchthefeathers,theywerewarm
andalive,thetipsflutteringbeneathherfingers.

Beingpsychic,Patriciawasnostrangertocreaturesofthenight,butshe’dneverseenanythinglikehim.
Hispsychicaurawasincredible:hotandwild,withlightningflashesthatstabbedthroughtheshieldsshe
usuallykeptinplace.Hedidn’tfeelevil,buthedidn’tfeelgood,either.Mosthumanswereamixtureof
both,butsupernaturalcreaturestendedtobeoneortheother.

Herflashlighttookinthebruisethatstainedhistempleblueandpurple.Hewasabigman,andanything
thatcouldtakehimdownwouldbe...bigger.Shesensedalingeringtaintofevilintheshop,likeafaint
odorofrottingmeat.Butitdidn’tcomefromtheman,andhewasalonenow.Theonlyaurasintheplace
werehis,hers,andthetiny,vibrantonesofthecats.

Whenshetouchedthebruise,hemoanedbutdidn’twake.Shefetchedherfirstaidkitfromthetiny
bathroomanddoctoredthebruise,butshewasn’tsurewhattodoaboutthewing.

Itwasbrokenhalfwayalong,herfingersfindingthethinmiddlebonebent.Shehadnoideahowtotreatit,
butitcouldn’thurttocarefullystraightentheboneandwrapthewholethingwithanAcebandage.

Themantwitchedandmoanedthroughtheprocedure,butthepainwasn’tenoughtowakehim.Shefetched

apillowandgentlyarrangedtheman’sheadonit,thencoveredhimwithablanket.

Thatwasallshecoulddoforhim.Shewasnotawitchorahealer;hergiftwastheabilitytoreadauras
ofpeoplepastandpresentandthepsychicimprinttheyleftonobjects.Thatwaswhyshelikedantiques;
shecouldfeeltheirhistoryandthepeoplewho’dtouchedthem.Antiquesweren’tdeadpiecesofthepast
toherbutshadowsofliving,breathingentities.

PatriciacurleduponaBeltergentleman’schairandtuggedasecondblanketoverherknees.RedKitty
joinedher,thelong-hairedtomneverpassingupthechanceforawarmsnuggle.Isis,theblack-and-white
female,stayednexttothemantokeepwatch.

Patriciasettledintowait.Wouldtheentityonherfloorprovetobegoodorevil?

NICOwoketoapoundingheadache.Heseemedtobeonahardfloor,buthefeltapillowbeneathhis
headandapricklywoolblanketacrosshischest.

HeknewtheDyonhadn’tbeenkindenoughtoleavehimwithapillowandblanket.TheDyonhadbeen
doingitsdamnedesttobeatNicoblackandblueoncetheybothfiguredouttheostraconanditsinscription
wasnolongerhere.

ThecreaturehadthrownNicoacrossthecounter,Nicohittinghisheadonthewaytothefloor,andthe
Dyonhaddissipated.Itwasn’tallowedtokillhim.

Nicoraisedhisthrobbingheadandmettheintensestareofasleekblack-and-whitecat.Itsgazebored
intohisasthoughthecreatureweretryingaspotoftelepathy,butNicoknewitwasjustacat.Nothing
supernaturalaboutit,thankthegods.

ThestinkofDyonlingeredintheroom,quicklybeingcoveredbythearomaofpercolatingcoffee.Nico
tossedasidetheblanketandpainfullyclimbedtohisfeet.

Hestumbledandcaughthimselfonaglasscounter,rattlingtheglitzyjewelrythatglitteredonitssurface.
Hewasn’tdizzy,despitetheheadache,buthecouldn’tgethisbalance.

Herealizedthathisleftwingwasallwrongandsawinamazementthatitwastightlybound.AnAce
bandagecrisscrossedit,crushingthefeathers,heldtogetherwithbrightbluetape.

“Shit,”hesaidoutloud.

Heheardrunningfeet,andawomanemergedfromthebackroom,asteamingmugofcoffeesloshingin
herhands.

Oh,fuck.

Shewasabsolutelybeautiful.Herhairwasincrediblycurly,ariotofdarkblondringletsthatcascaded
acrossherfaceandfloweddownherback.Shehadafaceneithertooroundnortoopointed,fullredlips,
andalusciouslycurvedbody.

Herheadwouldrestathiscollarboneifshestoodagainsthim.Hewantedherto,sohecouldleandown
andinhalethewarmthofherhair.Hecouldwhisperintoherearthathewasthereforheruse;allshehad
todowasnameherpleasure.

Hiscockbegantolift,hisballswarmingandtighteningagainstthefabricofhisjeans.

Hefeltthefamiliarpulloflonging,thecompulsionofthespellkickingin.Damnit,notnow.Thecurse
beatonhimatthemostinopportunetimes,andthiswasamostinopportunetime.

Thewomanstartedtowardhim,followedcloselybyafluffyredcat.Theblack-and-whitecatleapttothe
counter,scatteringmoretreasures,andsatdowntoresumeherwatchonNico.

ThewomanreachedNicoandlookedupathim,andsomethingstabbedthroughhisheart.Hereyeswere
bluegreen,anincredibleoceanlikeaquamarinethatsparkledliketheseainthesun.

“Whatareyou?”shedemanded.

NotWhoareyou?Whatareyoudoinghere?Whatdoyouwant?Nohysterics.Shesimplywantedto
knowwhatkindofcreaturehadlandedinherstore.

“Acustomer,”hesaid,forcingasmile.

“Idon’topenuntilten.Howdidyougetin?”

Shewouldn’tbelievehimifhetoldher,sohejustwinked.“Throughthekeyhole.”

“Whatwereyouexpectingtosteal?Idon’thaveanythingvaluableinhere,justsentimentaljumblethat
remindspeopleoftheirgrandparents.”

“Butyouhadsomethingvaluable?”

Herflushtoldhimhewasright;plusthething’sunmistakablepresencestillhadn’twornoff.Ithadbeen
here,butheandAndreashadn’tfiguredthatoutuntiltoolate.TheDyonhadn’tknown,either;he’dbeen
followingNicotoseewhatNicowasupto.

“Ididn’tcallthepolice,”thewomanpointedout.

“Inoticed.”He’dalsonoticedsheworeatight-fittingT-shirtthatnicelyoutlinedherbralessbreasts.

“IthoughtI’dhavetroubleexplainingthewingstothecops,”shesaid.

“Probably.”

“So,whatareyou?”

Hetookthecoffeeshehandedhimandsippedit.Didittastebetterbecauseshemadeit?Thecurse
wantedhimtobelieveso.

“Amanwithwings,”heanswered.

“I’mpsychic;Icantellyou’renothuman.Youraurais...strange.”

“Isit?”Hefinishedoffthecoffeequickly,needingit.Healsoneededhertotouchhimagain.Thecurse
waskickinginfastthistime.

“Wouldyoumindhelpingwiththebandage?”Heaskedher.“I’moffbalancelikethis.”

Shelookeddoubtfulbutsetdowntheemptycup.“Thebonewasbrokeninhalf.Ithinkyoushouldkeepit
still.”

“Ihealquickly.”Hesteadiedhimselfonthecounterandletherreachupandpeeloffthetape.

Tounbindhim,shehadtosteprightintotheflowingfeathersofhiswing.Hecouldn’tstophimselffrom
snakingthewingaroundher,likinghowgoodshefeltcradledinitsembrace.Hecouldfeeleveryhollow
andcreviceofherbodywiththesensitivetipsasshepluckedatthetapeandstartedtounwindthe
bandage.

Herbreastsbrushedagainsthisbarechest,andhewonderedifshecouldfeelhispulsehammeringunder
hisskin.Herhairsmellednice,cleanandfresh,likeshe’djustwashedit.

Hisalreadyinflatedcockwasthrobbingbythetimesheunwoundthelastofthebandageandstepped
away.Nicoflexedthewingbone,whichhadmendedasheslept.Itwasalittlestiffbutmanageable.

“Icantrytofindashirtforyou,”shesaid,hergazefixedonhisbaretorso.

“That’sallright.Ibroughtmyown.”

NicoretrievedhisT-shirtfromwherehe’ddroppeditwhenhe’dunfoldedhiswingstofighttheDyon.
Theceilingwastoolowforagoodstretch,buthefluffedhiswingsallthewayout,thefeatherssleekly
eroticagainsthisback.

Thefeelingdidn’thelphiserectiondie,especiallywhenheimaginedpinningheragainsthimwiththe
wings.

Therewasasharppullinhisshoulderblades,thenthewingsslidaway,vanishing.Hesensedhergazeon
thesharp,blacktattooofwingsthatfannedoverhisback,thepointsofthemdisappearingunderhis
waistband.

AsheslidtheT-shirtoverhishead,theclothpulledatthehatedchain,remindinghimwhathewas.

“Andre’s?”Thewomanreadthelogothatslantedfromhisrightshouldertohisleftpectoral.Alarge
cat’s-pawprintsplotchedjustunderit.“Doyouworkthere?”

Andre’swasatrendybarandclubaroundthecorneronWestFifty-sixthStreetthathadopenedafew
monthsago.Itwaspackedeverynight.

“IownitwithmyfriendAndreas,”hesaid.

“Oh.”Shelookedathiminsurprise.“Ihaven’tseenyouaround.NotthatIgetthechancetogetoutmuch.”
Shesoundedregretful.

“Cometonightandtalktome.I’llwaivethemembershipfee.”

Shefixedhimwithastareaspenetratingashercat’s.“Doeseveryonetherehavewings?”

“No,justme.”

“I’llthinkaboutit.”

Nicopulledashiningblackcardwithwhiteletteringoutofhisbackpocket.Thenameheused,Nico
Stanopolous,wasprintedatthebottom.“Showthattothedoorman,andhe’llletyouin.TellhimIinvited
you.”

Shetookthecard,givinghimasuspiciouslook.Heflickedamorestaid,matte-whitecardoutofthelittle
holderonhercounter.PatriciaLake,Proprietor.“Nicetomeetyou,Patricia.Thankyouforfixingmy
wing.”

“Youstillhaven’ttoldmewhatyouweredoinghere.Evenifyoudidn’ttakeanything,youknockedhalf
myjewelrystockontothefloor.”

Nicogatheredupthepinsandearringsandtangleofnecklacesandreplacedthemonthecounter.“Icame
tofindsomething,”hesaid.“Itwasn’there.”

“Wouldyoumindtellingmewhat?”

Hehesitated.HecouldhearAndreas’sroarifNicodecidedtotrustthewoman,butthatwasn’twhatmade
himreticent.He’dendangerherwithtoomuchknowledge,makingheratargetofthingsshecouldn’t
possiblyunderstandorfight.

Shehadmagicinher,obviously,becausesheeasilyacceptedthatamanwithwingshadenteredherstore
withoutbreakinginortriggeringthealarm.Shehadn’tcalledthepolice;she’dputablanketoverhimand
waitedforhimtowakeup.

“Cometotheclubtonight,andwe’lltalkaboutit.”

Patriciacockedherhead,lookingmoreadorablebythesecond.“AndIshoulddothisbecause...”

“You’recurious.”Hetickledtheblack-and-whitecatbehindtheear,andthecreaturepurred.“Ifyou
weren’t,you’dhavecalledthepolicebynow.Itooknothing.Youcansearchmeifyouwant.”

Hespreadhisarms,warmingwhenhergazeflickedupanddownhim.Shewasabeautifulwoman,and
partofthereasonhewantedtowaittotellherwassohe’dhavethechancetodrawthisout.Hisbody
throbbedwithneed,andhiscockhadn’tdeflatedsinceshe’dwalkedintotheroom.

Heknewdamnwellwhyhewantedtoseeheragain,andtheknowledgebothexcitedanddepressedhim.
Shefoundhimattractive,andshe’dfindhimevenmoreattractivetonight.Itwasanevenbetthatshe’d
wanthishandsonher,thecompulsionaffectingher,too.Helookedforwardtoitandatthesametime
resistedit.

Hesuddenlywishedwithallhisheartthatwithher,thiscouldbereal.Butthethoughtonlybroughtmore
depression,becausehecouldn’ttrustthevoicesofhisheart.

“Comebyifyou’reinterested.”Heshrugged.“IhavetogobeforeAndreasrampagesManhattanlooking
forme.”

ArampagingAndreaswasbad.Themanhadatemper,andhe’dgivethemawayifhewasn’tcareful.

“I’llhavetoletyouout.”

Thegrateswerestillfirmlyoverthedoors.Patriciaunlockedaboxwithasmallkeyandpunchedacode.
Therewasaloudclick,thensheopenedthedoorandslidthegratingbackafewfeetforhim.

Nicoturnedsidewayssohecouldslidethrough,lettinghimselfbrushagainstherashewent.Shehada
lovely,softbody,andhewantedtoburyhisfaceinherriotouslycurlinghairandbreatheherin.He
craveditwithanintensitythatwasn’tquitenormal.

Outside,Manhattanwasstirring.Early-morningcommuterspouredupfromthesubwaysandspilled
acrossthesidewalksinaseaofblackanddarkgray.Hehadtogo.

Hebrushedthetipofhernosewithhisfingertipandslidallthewayoutthedoor.Sherattledthegrating
closedbehindhimwithoutsayinggood-bye.

Nicochuckledashemovedintothecrowd.Theirrelationshipwasgoingtohurtlikehellwhenitwas
over,butfirst,itwouldbevery,verygood.He’dsuckasmuchashecouldfromthatandpretendit
wouldn’tbreakhisheartwhenshewasfinishedwithhim.

PATRICIAarrivedatAndre’satnine,rightbeforeitopened.

Andre’swasaprivateclub,itsmembershipssoldonlineandthroughotherbusinesses.Patriciahad
debatedalldaywhethertogo,butintheendsheknewshe’dnotbeabletopassuptheopportunitytosee
herwingedmanagain.Nicohadhititrightwhenhetoldhershewastoocurioustoresist.

Shestillhadnoideawhathe’dbeenlookingfor.She’dsearchedherrecordbooksforwhatevervaluable
itemsshe’dmovedinthepastfewweeksbutcouldn’tdecidewhichonehe’dcometofind:theeighteenth-
centurywritingdesk;theostracon,asmallslaboflimestonewithEgyptianhieroglyphsonit;thecarnelian
earringsbelongingtooneofQueenVictoria’sdaughters;orthebone-handledletteropenerfrom1675?
She’dfoundbuyersforallofthemfromherlistofpeoplewhopaidhertokeepaneyeoutfor“special
somethings.”

PatriciahandedNico’scardtothedoorman,tellinghimthatNicohadinvitedher.Thewomeninline
behindherworetightdresses,whichshowedmountainsofcleavage,andsharp-heeledshoes,which
baredmilesoflegs.

Inherneatblackpantsandblouse,Patriciafeltwoefullyoutofplace.She’dputinantiqueearringsanda
cobwebbyantiquenecklacethatearnedafewenviousglances,buttheladiesbehindherweresurprised
whenthedoormannoddedgrufflyandopenedthedoorhalfafootsoshecouldslideinside.

Aseconddoorman,wearinganAndre’sT-shirtandsportingaphoneonhisear,tookthecardandjerked
hisheadforPatriciatofollowhim.Heledherthroughthedarkclubandupaflightofstairs.Atthetophe
touchedabuzzerbesideadoorandwaiteduntilthedoorclickedopen.Thedoormangesturedherinside
butdidn’tfollowherin.

Nicowaitedforherattheendofaplush-carpetedhallway.HisAndre’sT-shirtwascrispandclean,and
therewasnosignofhiswings.He’dobviouslyshavedsincetheirlastencounter,andhisdarkhairwas
dampfromashower.

Heworeblackjeansinsteadofblue,andsandals.Patriciahadneverlikedsandalsonaman,butshe
decidedshe’dmakeanexceptionforNico.Theyseemedtogowithhim,givinghimtheauraofanancient

god.

Hesmiledather,hisdarkeyespromising.“Hello,Patricia.I’mgladyoucame.”

Hetookherhandandledherintotheroombehindhim.

She’dexpectedanofficebutfoundasuite.Ithadalivingroomdoneintrendyminimalistdecoranda
smallkitchentuckedbehindashininggranitecounter.Throughanopendoubledoorshesawabedroom
withaniron-poledcanopybedandcubelikeshelves.

Amancameinfromthebedroom,alsowearinganAndre’sT-shirt.HewasnotquiteastallasNico,but
hisbodywasaswellbuiltandbulgingwithmuscle.Hehadmottledblack-and-whitehairandeyesof
cleariceblue.WhileNico’seyescouldmeltawomanlikeicecreamonahotsidewalk,thisman’seyes
chilledherthrough.

Theonethingthetwomenhadincommon,besidespowerfulauras,wasthethingoldchainaroundtheir
necks.

Thetwoofthemlookedcompletelywronginthisroom,whichmusthavebeendecoratedbeforethey
movedin.Thissuitewasformeninexpensivecorporatesuits,notthesebeautifulmaleswithaurasof
wildmagic.

“ThisisAndreas,”Nicotoldher.“Atleastthat’swhathecallshimself.Andreas,PatriciaLakeofLake
Antiques.”

AndreassweptPatriciaadismissiveglanceandstartedtalkingtoNicolikeshewasn’tthere.“Doesshe
haveit?”

“Notanymore.”

“Havewhat?”Patriciaasked.“Ican’thelpyoufindsomethingifIdon’tknowwhatyou’relookingfor.”

“Theostracon.”Andreasfixedherwithachillbluegazethathadfieryragebehindit.“Giveittome,and
NicoandIwillfulfillyourdeepestdesires.Anythingsexualyou’veeverwantedtotry,we’lldoitfor
you.”

2

PATRICIAblinked.“Oh,isthatall?”

ShethoughtofNico’swingsfeatheringaroundherwhileshehadhelpedunwindthebandage,thewarm,
blacksilkinessagainstherskin.Herheartstartedtopound.Sheimaginedhiswingscuddlinghernaked
body,thesatinlikefeatherstouchingeverypartofher.

Andreassteppedinfrontofher,dissolvingtheheadyvision.Andreassmelledofmalemuskandspice,a
littlelikeNico,butwhileNicowasenticingwarmth,Andreasradiateddanger.

“Youknowwhatwe’relookingfor.”

“OfcourseIdo.TheostraconwiththeinscriptionfromthePtolemaicperiod.NotasgoodasEighteenth
Dynasty,andnotveryimportanthistorically,butmyclientwantedit.”

“Whatclient?”Andreasdemanded.

“TheoneIsolditto.”

“So,getitbackfromhim.”

Patricia’sirritationrose,coveringheruneasiness.“Ican’tjustaskforitback.Thereissuchathingas
clientloyalty,andbesides,Ican’taffordit.”

“Wewillpayforit.”

“That’snotthepoint.”

AndreasthrewaglanceatNico,whowatchedwithhisarmsfolded.“Nico,leaveusalone.”

“No.”Nicoseatedhimselfinanelegantarmchair,drawinghiskneeupandplantinghissandalfirmlyon
theupholstery.Hesmiled,buthisdarkeyeswerewatchful.

Andreas’sicelikegazereturnedtoPatricia.“Iwillpayyouthreetimeswhatyourclientpaidforit.”

“Really?Whydoyouwantitsobad?”

“Willyougetitbackforme?”

“Idon’tknow.”Patriciafoldedherarms,pretendinghisstaredidn’tunnerveher.“I’mintriguednow.
Whatisitaboutthisostraconthat’ssospecial?”

Andreasglaredatheranothermoment,thenswiveledaway.“Nico.”

Nicoremainedfoldedinthechair.“She’sobviouslynotgoingtobemovedbymoney.”

“Allhumanswilldoanythingformoney,”Andreasreturned.“Especiallytheirwomen.”

“Insultingmeisn’tthebestwaytogetmetohelpyou,”Patriciasaid.“Iknowthemarket;Icanfind
anothergoodpieceforyouatadecentprice.Aslongasit’slegit.Idon’tdealinstolenantiquities.Butif

you’regoingtobeanasshole,forgetit.”Shepaused.“Andanyway,whatdoyoumeanbyallhumans?I
knowNico’snothuman,andyoudon’tfeellikeit,either.Areyouawingedcreature,too?”

AndreasscowledatNico.“Howdoessheknow?”

Nicoshrugged.“Shecaughtmewithmywingsdown.Itdoesn’tmatter—sheunderstands.She’smagical.”

“Magical,how?”

“Psychic,”Patriciacutin.ThewayAndreastalkedtoNicolikeshewasn’tthereannoyedher.“Icansee
theaurasofpeople.Andthings—I’mbestwithobjects.Thepsychicclutterthatinanimateobjectspickup
overlifetimesisamazing.”

NicounfoldedhimselffromthechairandcametoherasAndreas’sgazelockedonPatriciaagain.They
bothknewhowtopinwithastare.Patriciaheldherground,determinednottobackawayfromeitherof
them.

Herheartbeatsped,andnotentirelywithfear.Havingtwoverymuscular,largemaleshemmingherin
wasn’tsuchabadthing.Goodcop,badcop,orgoodwingedman,bad...whatever.Shecouldhavefun
dreamsaboutthis.

“Whatpsychicclutterdoyouseeonus?”Nicoaskedher.

Patricialookedathim,debatingwhethertolowerhershields.She’dlearnedasachildtoerectbarriers
betweenherselfandwhatcametoher,orshe’dbesobombardedshecouldn’tfunction.Whenshe’dfound
Nicothismorning,she’dkeptherbarriersfirmlyinplace,sensinghehadenoughpsychicenergytoknock
heracrosstheroom.

Nowsheslowlyloweredhershields.Ifshewascarefulandcontrolledit,shecouldlookwithouthurting
herself.

Thewhite-hotblazeofNico’saurasentherstaggering.Itwasbrightwithawfulpower,strongerthan
anythingshe’deverseen.Shefeltherselffalling,thensomeonecaughther—Andreas,shethoughtdimly.

Andreas’saurastruckherfromtheotherside.ItwasasstrongasNico’s,butpurpleinsteadofwhite,
sizzlingwithstrength.Theircollectivepowerpunchedherlikefists,andshescreamed.

Nico’sarmscamearoundher,hisbodysobrightandsavagelybeautifulthatshehadtosqueezehereyes
shut.Hecuppedhercheek,hisvoiceinsistentandurgent.

“Blockitout,sweetheart.Youaren’tmadetostandthis.Shutusout.”

Patriciacollapsedinonherself,huddlingintoaballsupportedbyNico’sstrongarm.Sheinstinctively
startedtheexercisesshe’dlearnedasachild,chantingastringofsoundsandpicturingascreenrisingto
mutetheaurasaroundher.

Graduallythelightdiedaway,thewildpurplehueofAndreasandtheincandescentwhiteofNico
dimminguntiltheybecamehard-bodiedmalesandnothingmore.Shedrewasharpbreaththathurther
lungs,realizingshe’dstoppedbreathingaltogether.

Nicotracedhercheek.“Areyouallright?”

“Idon’tknow.”Shegulped.“I’veneverseenanythinglikethatinmyentirelife.Whatthehellareyou
two?”

“Trapped,”Andreassaid,suddenlysomber.“Enslaved.”Hetouchedthechainaroundhisneck.“That’s
whatweare,PatriciaLake.Slaveswhocan’tgohome.”

NICOspreadthemagazineopenonthetable,standingbehindPatriciaassheleanedoverit.Herhair
smelledlikehoney.Thecompulsionofthespellwasmakinghimcrazywithdesire,andhewonderedifit
wasdrivingAndreascrazy,too.ThespellwouldembracetheonePatriciawasfirstattractedto,buta
womancouldbeequallyattractedtobothofthem.

Patriciatouchedthephotographoftheostraconheshowedher.Anostraconwasnothingmorethanapiece
ofstoneorpotterywithancientwritingonit.EgyptiansandancientGreekshadusedthemlikemodern
peoplewouldusepapertablets.Manycontainedjottingsofday-to-daynotesbyscribesandpriests,or
evenschool-boys’lessons.

Thephotograph’scaptionsaidtheentirethingwasaboutonefootwidebytwofeethigh.Themagazine
showedoneclose-upsectionofit,andNicocouldreadwhatlookedlikeaspellthatmightmeanhisand
Andreas’sfreedom.Oritmightmeannothingatall.

Patricianodded.“ThisistheoneIhad.IboughtitfromadealerhereinNewYork.Itwasofferedonthe
marketbytheEgyptianMuseuminCairo,notforverymuch,soitcouldn’thavebeenthatimportant.”

“Idon’tcarewhereitcamefrom,”Andreassaid.“Ionlycarewhereitisnow.”

“Butwherethingscomefromcantellusalotaboutthem,”Patriciaargued.“Objectsretainimpressionsof
wherethey’vebeenandwhotouchedthem.”

“Andwhatdidthistellyou?”Nicoasked.

“Thatitwasold.”Patricialookedupathim,thoseaquamarineeyescatchinghim.“Authentic,notacopy.
FromtheHellenisticperiodinEgypt—afterAlexandertheGreatandbeforeCleopatra.It’sfairlyordinary
—asfarasancientostraconsgo.Ididn’tfeelittryingtogivemeastrangeorurgentmessageoranything.”

Andreasshovedhimselfawayfromthetable.“Wedidn’tneedyoutotellusthis.It’sinthearticle.”

Patriciaignoredhim.“Anyway,adealerboughtitandbroughtittoNewYork.Ithoughtitwasinteresting,
soIpickeditup.”

“Andsolditagain,”Nicoprompted.

“IhaveabuyerinterestedinEgyptianartifacts.Soyes,Isoldit.”

“Toapersonyoukeepsecret,”Andreasgrowled.

Patriciamadeanoiseofexasperation.“Ifyou’resoanxious,Icanaskmycustomerifyoucanatleast
lookatit,aslongasyoudon’tdoanythingobnoxious,liketrytostealit.Ifyou’renothingbutpowerfully
magicalantiquitiesthieves,I’mnotlettingyouanywherenearit.”

Andreas’slipcurled,buthesubsided.

“Ifyoucanarrangesuchathing,we’dbeeternallygrateful.”Nicosmiled,warmingwhenhereyes
softenedforhim.Andreaslikedtodominate,totake,andmakeawomanenjoyhistaking.Nico,onthe
otherhand,verymuchenjoyedgiving.

“I’llmakephonecallstomorrow,”Patriciapromised.

Andreasgrabbedacellphonefromthekitchencounterandshoveditather.“Callnow.”

ToNico’sdelight,PatriciametAndreas’sbelligerentlookwithoneofherown.“It’stoolate,andmy
client’selderly.Tomorrow.”

ThegrowlthatcameoutofAndreas’smouthwasprimal.Nicoexpectedthemantomorphtohistrueself
andforcePatriciatodowhathewanted,butAndreasclenchedhishandsandturnedaway.

“Ishealwayslikethis?”PatriciaaskedNico,loudenoughforAndreastohear.

“Youhavenoidea.”Nicowinkedather.“Butsometimeshe’sapussycat.”

Andreassenthimafuriouslook.“WhythehelldidIhavetogetstuckthroughtheageswithyou?”

“Fantasticluck,”Nicoanswered.

Andreas’sgrowlescalated,hisfiststightening.ButAndreaswasn’tstupid.Theyneededtofindthe
answer,andasvolatileasAndreascouldbe,he’dnotjeopardizethingswhentheyweresoclose.His
dominanttendenciessometimesgotintheway,buthe’dlearned—painfully—howtocontrolhimself.

“I’mgoingdownstairs,”Andreassaidandslammedoutoftheroom.

Patriciawatchedhimgo.“Youhaveinterestingfriends.”

“That’sonewordforhim.”

“Um...Ihavetoask.Areyoutwo...?”Shelookedembarrassed.

“Lovers?No,sweetheart.Old,oldfriendswhogotstuckwitheachother,isall.Why?”Hegrinned.
“Wereyouthinkingaboutit?”

Herfuriousblushtoldhimhewasright.Womenthey’dpleasuredtogetherhadsaidwhatwouldplease
themmostwaswatchingNicoandAndreasnakedonabedtogether.Sometimestheyobliged.

Thetwoofthemsharedafriendshipthatspannedeons,andtheycouldtoucheachotherwhentheyneeded
towithoutworry.

PatriciagazedatNicoinagratifyingway.Heimaginedherbareagainsthisbody,hersleekcurlsrubbing
hisskin.He’dlikeherlookingathimlikethatwhilehelayflatonthebedwithherstraddlinghim.He
couldreachupandcatchherbreastsinhishands,lifthisheadtosuckleher.

“CanIseeyourwingsagain?”sheasked.

Nico’sbodytightenedasherbluegreeneyesflickedoverit.Hiscockbeganitslittledanceofhope.“My

wings?”

Shetwirledoneofhercurlsaroundherfinger,hereyessoftandsodamnsexy.“IwanttomakesureI
didn’timaginethem.”

“Seeingmytrueauradidn’tconvinceyou?”

Patriciashivered.They’dhadtofeedhertwocupsofcoffeebeforeshecalmeddownafterlettingherself
lookattheirnakedauras.Nicohadnevermetahumanbeingwhocouldseethem,whichmadePatricia
evenmoreinteresting.

“That’sdifferent.Thewingsweretangible;Ifeltthem.”Shegavehimawistfulsmile.“I’dliketosee
themagain.”

Nicogrinned,hiscockdancingevenfaster,andmovedtothecenteroftheroomtostripoffhisT-shirt.

Heoftenlethiswingsfreewhenhewasupstairs,tokeepfromcramping,butneverbeforehadunfurling
thembeentingedwitheroticexcitement.Itwasalmostlikeshe’daskedhimtodoastriptease.

Hetossedawaytheshirtandputhishandsonhiships,determinedtogiveherashow.Hemadeasoft
soundashisshoulderbladesgaveajerkthatwasalwaysslightlypainfulbutsomehowapleasure,likethe
momentbeforeclimax.

Thewingsrippledfromhisshoulders,spreadinginblacksmoothnessoutfromhisbody.Theywerehuge,
curvingupoverhisheadanddownhisbacktocurlathisfeet.

Hestretched,lovingthewarmthofextendingthetendonstotheverytips.Hecouldn’tflymuchin
Manhattan—toomuchriskofbeingseen—andhelovedanyopportunitytospreadhimselfwide.

Patricia’sredlipsparted.“They’rebeautiful.”

Hervoicerasped,lowandsweet,notreleasinganytensionfromhiserection.

Hecurvedthewingsinanarcinfronthisbody.“Socomehereandtouchthem.”

Inwonder,Patricialeftherchairandcametohim.Hetickledhercheekplayfully,andshelaughed,
buryingherselfinthecrushofhisfeathers.Sherubbedherfaceagainstthem,humminginherthroatasshe
enjoyedthesleeknessonherskin.

Hercheeksflushed,hernipplespebble-tightagainstherblouse.“Theyfeelsogood.”

“Youaren’tbadyourself.”

Nicoslidhisarmsaroundherandgentlydrewherintohiscompleteembrace.Shecameagainsthim
withoutastruggle,stillburiedinthewarmthofhiswings.

“Mycatsarefascinatedwithyou,”shesaid.“Theythinkyou’resomekindofbirdman.”

“No.”Hecuppedherfaceinhishandsandbrushedhisthumbsoverhercheekbones.“Somekindofgod-
man.”

Shegavehimastartledlook.Asherlipsformedaquestion,heleanedinandkissedthem.

Hekissedherslowly,slidinghistongueintothewarmwetnessofhermouth.Shemadeanoiseinher
throat,herbreathhotonhislips,thensheopenedtohimlikeaflower.

Somethingjoltedacrosshisskin,asparkofawareness,anincrediblejoy.Hisheartbeatfaster,anda
trickleofsweatmovedfromhisshoulderbladesdownhisspinetohisass.

Withthesparkofjoycamesorrow.Thecursehadfullyignited.Itwasgoingtobegood,sogood.And
thenitwouldhurtlikehell.

Thekisswenton,herlipsmovingwhileshewoveherfingersthroughhissensitivefeathers.Shewas
exploringhim,gettingtoknowhim.Hecuppedherheadinhishand,herwarmcurlsspillingoverhis
fingers.

“My,”shemurmured.

He’dlikeitbetterifshe’dsaidMine.

Butshecouldn’t,ofcourse.PartoftheenslavementwasthatNicoandAndreascouldgiveplentyof
physicalenjoyment,butthey’dreceivenoloveinreturn.NomatterhowmuchhedelightedPatricia,she
wouldneverfallinlovewithhim.Intheend,she’dwalkawayandforgethim,andNico’sheartwould
break.

Hepressedthethoughtaside.“Doyouliketodance?”

Sheblinked.“Dance?”

“Downstairs.Thisisaclub.”

“Oh.”Shelookedlikeshe’dforgotten.“No—thanks.Ihaven’tdancedinalongtime,andI’mnotreally
dressedforit.”

Herfacewasred,andshewouldn’tmeethiseyes.Nicothoughtaboutthewomenwhousuallycamehere
tooglehimandAndreas,dressescuppingtheirassesandmile-highshoes.Patriciadidn’tthinkshecould
compete,butshewaswrong.She’dlookfantasticinatightskirt,butevenmoreimportant,she’dlook
fantasticoutofit.

“Sex,then?”heoffered.

Patriciabackedupquickly,onlytobehemmedinbyhiswings.“YouandAndreastossoutthatoffer
casuallyenough.”

Nicoshrugged,pretendinglikehellthathisentirebodywasn’tburningwithneed.“We’dbegood
together.”

“Ididn’tcomeheretogetlaid.”

Hecaressedherbackwithhisfeathers,softeninghisvoice.“I’dmakeitsogoodforyou,Patricia.”

Herrapidbreathingtoldhimshebelievedhim.Butshefirmlypartedhiswingsandsteppedawayfrom

him.“No.”

Shepuzzledhim.Heknewshewantedhim;herbodygaveallthesigns.Yetshehuggedherarmsacross
herchestandturnedawayasthoughstoppingherselffromaccepting.

“Areyougoingtothrowmeoutnow?”sheaskedinahardvoice.“BecauseIdidn’tflingmyselfonyour
bedandsqueal,‘Yes,takeme’?”

“No.Youcanstayaslongasyoulike.”

“Good,becauseI’dliketoaskyoumorequestions.”

Nicofeltatwingeofdisquiet.TheDyonsforthemostpartsimplywatched,butiftheythoughtPatricia
knewtoomuchorwastryingtohelpAndreasandhim,theymightattack,ashadtheonewhenNico
searchedtheantiquestore.Dyonscouldn’tkillNicoandAndreas,buttheycouldkillanyonehelpingthem.

Nicocrossedhiswingsbehindhisback,lettingthefeelofthemcalmhim.“Whatquestions?”

“Likehowdidyougetintomystore?”

“Itoldyou.Throughthekeyhole.”

“Ihavedeadbolts.Keyholesdon’tgoallthewaythroughthesedays.”

“Don’tthey?”IfNicoconcentrated,hecouldslidethroughspacesthatordinaryhumanscouldn’tfind.

Shechangedthesubject.“Whyisthisostraconsoimportant?It’snotverybig,andit’snotimportant
historically,evenasoldasitis.”

Nowtheyweremovingintodangerousterritory.“AndreasandIwantalookatit.”

“Meaningyouaren’tgoingtotellme.”

“Therearesomethingsit’ssafernottoknow.”

Shechewedherlip.“Isitsomekeytoasecretdimensionorsomething?Wherethebirdgodslive?”

Nicoburstoutlaughing.“No.It’sanordinarypieceofwriting,likeyousaid.”

“Youwouldn’tbeinterestedinitifitwereordinary.”

Hehadtoconcedethepoint.“Ijustwanttolookatit.Noharmtoyourelderlyclient.”

“WhataboutAndreas?Willhelookatitwithoutharm?”

Patriciacouldn’tknowhowmuchhissensesweresingingwithherintheroom.Shewasn’ttheonlyone
whocouldseeauras.Herswasbrilliantredandblueandsmelledfresh,likecrispautumnwind.He’d
lovetospendayearinbedwithherwiththemslowlygettingtoknoweachother.Itwouldbeajoyto
teachher.

“Andreasisn’tsobadonceyougettoknowhim,”Nicosaid.“No,wait;yes,heis.Buthedoesn’tharm
innocents.”

“Doeshehavewings,too?”

“No.I’dtellyouwhatheis,butIpromisedIwouldn’t.”

Patriciasubsided,stillchewingherlip.Theactionmadehermouthallthemoreredandkissable.“Iguess
I’lljusthavetofindoutformyself.”

Hesobered.“BecarefulwithAndreas,love.Hewon’tharmaninnocent,butit’snotgoodtogetinhis
way.”

“Doyougetinhisway?”

“Allthetime.”Nicoliftedhiswingsoverheadandreluctantlyslidthembackintoplace,lettingthetattoo
coverhisback.Hemovedhisshoulderbladesasheadjustedhisbalance,thenreachedforhisblackT-
shirt.

“Ifyoudon’twanttodance,letmewalkyouhome,”hesaid,pullingontheshirt.“Thestreetsare
dangerousatnight.”

Patricialookedhimupanddown,hergazelingeringonhistorso.“IhavethefeelingthatI’vemetthemost
dangerousthingsinthecitytonight:youandAndreas.”

Helethimselfsmileashecametoherandbrushedakissoverherlips.“Youjustmightberight.”

3

THEwomanwho’dpurchasedtheostraconforhereclecticcollectionwasoneofPatricia’sregulars,an
elderlyladywholivedinanairymarbleandgiltapartmentontheUpperEastSide.She’doutlivedtwo
husbands,wasvastlywealthy,andlovedtocollectantiquities.

PatriciacalledherinthemorningafterarestlessnightthinkingaboutNico.Whenhe’dgatheredherinhis
feathersandkissedher,shethoughtshe’dgointoorgasmicshock.

Hehadastrongmouthandknewhowtokiss.She’dfelttheswellofhisarousalevenasshe’dpulled
awayfromhim,knowingshewasgoingtoofast.

Whenhe’dofferedsexascasuallyashe’dofferedtotakeherdownstairstodance,she’dfeltastabof
disappointment.Maybeshewasold-fashioned,maybesheexpectedtoomuch,butshewantedsextobe
special.NotWehaveafewhours,sohowaboutit?Shedidn’twantafuckbuddy.Shewantedittomean
something.

Sowhatdidhigh-mindedPatriciadreamaboutallnight?Nicoinherbed,hiswingsspreadsoshecould
rubhernakedbodyalloverthem.

Inreality,Nicohadwalkedherhome,lightlykissedhergoodnight,andleftassoonasshe’denteredher
store.Inherdreams,he’dcarriedherupstairs,strippedoffherclothes,andlaidheronthebed,hiscock
highandreadyforher.

Abig,beautifulcock,too,straightandtall,darkandrampant.Patricia’ssecretstashofnudemalephotos
alwaysincludedthecock;shelovedlookingatthem.Assesweregood,buttherewassomethingabouta
swollenI’m-here-for-youcockthatalwayssentherovertheedge.

ShewasdyingtoseeNico’s,wantingtofindoutiftherealitymatchedwhatshe’dfeltbehindthezipperof
hisjeans.

PatriciatriedtocalmherlibidobytalkingtoMrs.Penworth.Mrs.Penworthlookedandsoundedlikea
sweet,littleoldlady,butsomeofthestoriesshetoldofheryearsasaWorldWarIIarmynursemade
Patriciarealizeshe’dhadonehellofapast.Mrs.Penworthalwaysgotawickedtwinkleinhereyes
whenshetalkedaboutherwilddays.

“Ofcourse,dear,bringyourfriendsby.I’llhaveMyrtlemakedrinks,andwe’llhavealittlehappyhour.
Myrtlelikesitwhenwehavefriendsfordrinks.”Myrtlewasthehousekeeperwho’dlivedwithMrs.
Penworthforfortyyears.

Patriciahungup,sensingthatMrs.PenworthwouldenjoyNico.Shewasn’tsosureaboutAndreas,and
shehopedNicocouldkeepthebelligerentmaninline.

Thebellonthestore’sdoorjingled,andwhenPatriciacameoutoftheback,amanwasleaninghisfists
onthecounter,studyingVictorianbroochesinsidetheglasscase.Hewasstrongandmuscular,muchlike
AndreasandNico,andworefadedjeansandasweatshirt.He’dbraidedhiswhiteblondhairintoatail
thathungtothemiddleofhisback.

Whenthemanlookedupather,Patriciacouldn’tholdbackagasp.Hiseyeswerewrong.Shecouldn’tput

herfingeronwhy,asshestaredintotheyellowishgaze;thensherealizedhispupilswereslits,vertical
likeacat’s—orasnake’s.

Speakingofhercats,they’dvanished.SherememberedtheirintenseinterestinNico,andevenwith
ordinarycustomers,they’dcomeouttoinvestigate,butthistimethey’ddesertedher.

Shefelttheman’sauratappingathershields,andsherefusedtolowerthem.IfhewasanythinglikeNico
andAndreas,hisenergywouldknockherover.

“Whereistheostracon?”Hespokeinathinvoice,almosthissing,nothinglikeNico’swarmbaritoneor
Andreas’sgravellygrowl.

“TheonefromthemuseuminCairo?”sheaskedasthoughunconcerned.“I’mafraidIsoldit,butIcan
takeyournameincaseIcomeacrossanotherone—”

Howhegottohersofast,sheneverknew.Onemomenthewasbythejewelrydisplay,thenexthehad
liftedherhighandslammedherbackontothecounter.Hisbreathwasfoul,hisslitsofeyesterrifying.

“Retrieveit.Destroyit.”

“Destroyit?”shegasped.“Anartifact?Idon’tthinkso.”

“Youwill.”Heshookher,andherheadjouncedpainfullyagainsttheglass.“Youmustnotinterfere.”

“Interferewithwhat?”

“Shewillpunishyou.Herwrathcanreachacrosscenturies.”

“Whoisshe?”

Herheartpoundedinfear.Shecouldn’treachthephoneorthealarmbuttonbehindthecashregister.This
manwasstrongenoughtokillherwithhisbarehands,andtherewasnothingshecoulddoaboutit.

Alowgrowlrumbledthroughthestore.Thesoundwentonandon,buildinginintensity,likeawildbeast
barelycontainingitself.Intheback,hertwocatsstartedtohowl.

Somethingblurredonherright,andtheblondmandroppedPatriciaasahugewildcatbarreledathim.
Patriciascreamedanddoveasideasthemanandcattumbledacrossthecounter,everythingleftonit
slammingtothefloorinaheartbreakingcrash.

Patriciagottoherfeet,wonderingwhatthehelltodo.Callthepolice?Animalcontrol?Hosethecat
downwiththefireextinguisher?Butthebigcathadjustsavedherlife,andsheknewit.Policewould
shootthebeautifulthingdeadorhaulitawayGodknewwhere.

RedKittyandIsiscameboundingoutofthebackroom,stillhowling.Theydancedaroundthefight,
watchingavidly,foralltheworldliketheywerecheeringthebigcaton.

Theblondmanmanagedtorollawayfromthecat.Hisclotheswereintatters,hisshreddedskinbloody.
Hehissedlikeasnake,thensuddenlyhebecameathincolumnofsmokeanddisappearedaltogether.

Patriciablinkedinshock.Butshedidn’thavemuchtimetorelax,becausethewildcathaltedinfrontof

her,fixinghisgazeonherfromthreepacesaway.

Hewasasnowleopard.Hisfurwaswhitewithmottledblackspots,hiseyesiceblue.Hisbodywas
heavy,shouldersandhaunchesripplingwithmuscle,pawssportingrazor-sharpclaws.

“Nicekitty,”Patriciatried.

Isisstalkedaroundherandwalkedrightunderneaththeleopard,rubbingherheadagainsthimasshewent.
Theleopardglancedonceatthecat,thenbackatPatricia.Theyfacedoff,womantoleopard,thenthe
leopardyawned.Hishugeredmouthwaslinedwithpointedteeth,hislipspeelingbacktorevealevery
oneofthem.

Theleopardlayonhercarpetwithawhuffofbreath.Isisbuttedhisshoulder,andhebuttedhergently
backbeforestartingtogroomhisblood-smearedpaws.

“Don’tbeafraid,Patricia.”

PatriciabitbackashriekasNico’sblackwingscamearoundher.“Damnit.Don’tyouusedoorslikethe
restofus?”

“Areyouallright?”

“Idon’tknowifyou’venoticedthis,butthere’saleopardlickingitstoesthreefeetinfrontofme.”

Nicoskimmedhiswarmlipsoverherear,andshestartedtocalminspiteofeverything.“Iaskedhimto
come,”hemurmured.“Wesensedthedanger.”

Theleopardgazedupatherwithcoolblueeyes,andPatriciarealizedinshockwhereshe’dseenthat
lookbefore.

“He’sAndreas.”

Nico’shotbreathtouchedherneck.“Itis.You’retheonlyhumanI’vemetwho’sbeenabletomakethe
connection.”

Patricialetatinypartofherpsiabilitytouchtheleopardandsawthesamepurple-huedaurashe’dseen
attheclub.

“He’sa...”Shegropedforwords.“Awere-snowleopard?”Nicochuckled.“Notexactly.Divinity
trapped,likeIam.”“Andreassaidthatlastnight,thatyouwereenslaved.Whatdoesthatmean?Andwho
wastheblondman?”

“ADyon.”

“What’saDyon?”

Andreas,stillinleopardform,growledsoftlyatNico.

“We’vedraggedherintoit,”Nicosaid.“Sheneedstoknow.”

“Tellme,”shesaidsoftly.“Please.”

“DyonsareminionsofHera.Powerful.Old.Wewon’tletthemhurtyou.”

Patriciathreadedherfingersthroughhisfeathers,lovingthewarmfeelagainstherarms.“Whyshould
theywantto?”

“Theywanttokeepusfrombreakingfree,sothey’llhuntanywhotrytohelpus.Thatiswhy,oncewesee
theostracon,we’llleaveyouwellalone.”

Patriciafeltastrangecompulsiontograbhimandholdontight,totellhimhewasn’tallowedtoleave.
Shewasjuststartingtogettoknowherwingedmanandthewere-leopardandtheirincredibleauras,and
shedefinitelywantedtoknowNicobetter.

“Don’tgo,”shefeltherlipssay.

Nico’shandsskimmedherwaist,thenhegentlykneadedherabdomen,circlingwithhisknuckles.“We
haveto,tokeepyousafe.Butbeforewego,maybeIcouldgiveyousomethingtorememberusby?”The
sensualityinhisvoiceletherknowexactlywhathemeant.

Thiswasallwrong.She’djustsurvivedanattackbyastrangemanwithsnakelikeeyesandhadbeen
rescuedbyaleopardwhoturnedouttobeAndreas,andallshewantedtodowastakeNicotobed.No
callingthepolicetoreportthebreak-in,nodemandstoknowexactlywhatwasgoingon.Whatsheneeded
mostrightnowwastobewithNico.

Shegentlydisentangledherselffromhiswings,walkedshakilytothefrontdoor,andturnedoverthe
Closedsign.Shesnickedthelocksshutandpulleddowntheblindsagainstthecrowdoutside.

“Allright,”shesaid,holdingoutherhandtoNico.

NICOfollowedPatriciauphercarpetedstairstoherapartment,leavingAndreasbelowtoguard.Thebig
catsneeredasNicowent.

Nico’sheartbeatswiftly,hisbloodalreadyhot.Hecouldn’thavePatriciaforalways,buthecouldat
leasthavethis.He’dgiveherthegreatestpleasureshecouldhandle,andwhenhewasfaraway,he’d
rememberit,liveitagaininhisdreams.

Patricia’sapartmentwastiny:acompactkitchen,abedroombigenoughforabed,andafullbathroom
groupedaroundasmalllivingroom.Nicostoppedherinthemiddleofthelivingroomanddrewher
closeforakiss.Hermouthtastedgood,likefireandspice,andhelickedhiswayaroundherlips.

Herhandstightenedonhisshoulders.“Nico.”

“Mmm?”

“Ididn’tbringyouuphereforsex.”

Yes,shehad.Herbodywantedit;hecouldfeelitunderhishands.Shelied.“What,then?”

“Ithinkyouoweittometotellmewhat’sgoingon.Ifindyouwoundedinmystore,thenthisDyonperson
triestobeatthewhereaboutsoftheostraconoutofme,andnowAndreasisaleopard.I’dlikesome
explanations,please.”

Nicoleanedhisforeheadagainsthers.Hisbodywasonfire,everythingpushinghimtotakeher.He
wouldhavetosoon,orthepainwouldbecomesearing,crushingagony.

“Patricia,youdon’tneedtobeinthis.AndreasandIhavedealtwithDyonsbefore,andwe’lldealwith
themagain.Withoutyougettinghurt.”

Shegavehimagrimsmile.“Toolateforthat.DoyouthinkthisDyonthingwillleavemealonebecause
youdon’ttellmeanything?”

No,Nicoreallydidn’t.ButheandAndreasmightbeabletodrawhimoff.Oncethey’dseenthe
inscription,theycouldleavePatriciaalone.

Hethreadedhishandsthroughherhairandbroughthiswingsaroundtoencloseher.“Patricia,Ineedto
touchyou.”

Sheputherfingersonhislips.“Notuntilyouexplain.”

“No,ImeanIneedtotouchyou.”Hisskinwasburning,hiscocksotightithurt.“IfIdon’t—”Hebroke
off,hisheartsqueezing.“Let’sjustsayitwon’tbepretty.”

Shegavehimaspeculativelook.“Isthatthelineyouuseonallthewomenwhosestoresyoubreakinto?”

“Feelme.”Nicotookherpalmandpressedittohischeek.

Sheflinchedwhenshefelthisburningskin.“What’swrong?Areyoufeverish?”

“No.Cursed.”

“Idon’tunderstand.”

“Letmetouchyou,Patricia.Letmespreadyouandpleasureyou—Ihaveto.Ineedto.”Hisheartwas
bangingsoharditwasmakinghimsick.“Please.”

“Why?”Shepushedawayfromhim,andhehadtolethergo.Hecouldn’tforceher.Ifshedidn’twant
him,thenhe’dsimplyhavetosuffer.

“It’swhyweneedtolookattheostracon.Thewritingonitcouldhelpusbreakthecurse.”

Shelookedbewilderedbutconcerned.“Whatcurse?”

Helovedhereyes.Thatbluegreenlikethesun-dappledseadrewhimtoher.Hewantedtokissher
eyelids,lickhiswaytoherthroat,partherblouse,andarouseherwithhistongue.

Hekissedherpalmandpressedittohischest.“Thepainwon’tgoawayifyoudon’tletmefuckyou.”

Shemightnotbelievehiswords,butshemustfeelhisheartbeatinglikeapiston,hisskinonfire,seethe
paininhiseyes.

“Whyareyou—whydoyoufeellikethis?”sheasked.

“Themotherofthegodscursedus.Andreasandme.Wemustpleasureawomanlikeherslave,orwe
burnup.Thecursewon’tkillus,butitwillmakeuswishweweredead.”

Patricia’seyesroundedinhorror.“Whywouldsomeonedothattoyou?”

Hetriedtoshrug,buthisbodyhurt.“Somegoddessescantakerighteousindignationalongway.”

“AndIcanhelpyoubylettingyougivemesexualpleasure?”

Henodded,histhroattootightforspeech.

Sheletherfingerssoftenonhislips.“Allright,butifthisistheworstpickuplinesincepickuplineswere
invented...”

Hisheartspedinhope.“You’llletmepleasureyou?”

Shesmiledslightly.“Yes.”

Nicoletouthisbreath,someofthepaindissipating.“Thankallthegods.Putyourselfinmyhands,
Patricia.Youwon’tregretit.”

SHEalreadyregrettedit.Notbecauseshewasabouttohavesexwithsomeoneshebarelyknewbut
becauseshealreadyfeltapulltowardhiminherheart.They’dhaveagoodtimeinbed,thenhe’dgo,and
she’dbeleftbereft.

ThatlineinShakespeare—“Bettertohavelovedandlostthannevertohavelovedatall”—was
debatable.Wasn’titbettertolivepainfreethanbreakyourheartoversomeonewhodidn’tloveyou
back?

Nicopulledhercloser,hisfeatherywingsenclosingherinwarmth.Thefearshe’dseeninhiseyesfledas
hebenttokissher.

She’dseenanimals’eyesgofixedanddistantwhentheywereinpain,andshe’dseenexactlythesame
lookinNico’sjustnow.Thepaintappedherpsychicshields,pressinguntilshefearedtolowerthemeven
slightly.Ifshecouldsensethatblacktaintthroughherstrongestshields,hispainmustbeincredible.And
new.Shehadn’tseenitbefore,notwhenshe’dfirstmethim,notwhenshe’dlookedfullyathimand
Andreas.

Thecurse?Ifshecouldhelpbanishit,wellthen,whowasshetoholdback?

Heopenedhermouthwithlavishstrokes.Hetastedlikemuskandspice,histeethsharppointsonherlips.
Hispalmslidtocupherbuttocks,andthetipsofhiswingsslidunderhershirt,pushingitopenandup.

Thefeelofthefeathersonherbareskinwasstrangeandincrediblyerotic.Nicosmiledashepushed
awayhershirtandpulledheragainsthisbarechest.

Heunlockedherbrawithhisfingersandpusheditoff.Stilltwiningherinfeathers,hebackedupastep
andlookeddownather.

Warmthpooledinherbellyashisgazeturnedappreciative.Hecuppedherbreastsinhishands,pushing
themhigher,thenipplestightanddark.

“Holdthemforme,”hesaid.

Shegavehimastartledlook,thenslidherhandsunderherbreastsasheletgo.Theskinbeneaththemwas
hot,theglobesheavyonherpalms.

“Flickyourthumbsoverthenipples,”hesaid,watchingher.“Feelhowhardandtighttheyare.”

Patriciatentativelybrushedherthumbsoverthepoints,surprisedatthefierytinglethatshotthroughher.

“Haven’tyouevertouchedyourselfbefore?”Nicoaskedher.

“Notonpurpose,”shesaidbreathlessly.“Notlikethis.”

“Really?Howdoyoureleaseyourself?”

“Idon’t.Ijustlivewithit.”

Nico’sperplexedlookturnedsly,andherheartbeatfaster.“Ithinkwe’llhavetochangethat.”

“Willwe?”Sheletherhandsgoslackasashiverwentthroughher.

“Wewill.Keeptouchingyourbreasts,Patricia.Don’tstopuntilItellyouto.”

Shehadtobeoutofhermind.Nicowasanotherworldlycreature,notevenaman,andshewasletting
himkissherandtouchherwithfeathersandgivehercommands.

Butwhatthehell?Whenwouldshegettheopportunitytoplaywithamanwithwingsagain?

“Unzipyourpants,”Nicosaid.“Pullthemdownforme.”

Patricia’shandwenttothebuttonofherfly,butshehesitated.“Ididn’tlockthedoortothestairs.Whatif
Andreascomesuphere?”

“Whatifhedoes?”

Patriciagulped.RightnowAndreaswasaleopard,butevenso,thethoughtofhimcatchingthem,
watchingherstripandtouchherselfforNico...

Excitedherlikecrazy.Herhandswarmedassheunzippedherjeansandpushedthemdown.

Nicogrinned.“Nowyou’reunderstanding.”

Shestoodinfrontofhiminnothingbutherpanties,thankfulshe’dputoncuteblue-and-pink-striped
bikinisthismorning.

“Areyouwet,Patricia?”

Ifshehadn’tbeenbefore,shewouldbenow.Patriciacouldfeeltheheatbetweenherlegs,prettysureher
pantiesweresoakedwithit.“Ithinkso.”

“Iwantyoutoknowso.Putyourfingersonyourpussy,andtellmeifit’swet.”

4

PATRICIA’Snipplesweretight,darkpointsonherpalebreasts.Shewassobeautiful,allluscious,
compactcurves,tautbelly,sleekskin.Hercurlyhairescapedtheponytailshe’dscrapeditinto,andblond
ringletscascadeddownherback.Herlegswerelong,slim,andstrong,theremnantsofasummertan
stainingherlowerlegslightgoldenbrown.Herupperthighswerepaleincontrast,showingthatsheliked
towearshorts.

Shewatchedhimwithherlovelygreenblueeyesassheslowlydippedherfingersintotheslashofblue-
and-pink-stripedpanties.

“Goon,”Nicosaid,standingbacktowatch.“Tellmeexactlyhowwetyouare.”

Patriciamadeafaintnoiseasshemovedherfingertiparound.“Prettywet.”

“Showme.”

Shewithdrewherfinger,whichglistenedwithmoisture.Nicocrossedthespacebetweenthemandlifted
herfingerstohismouth.

DeliciousPatricia.Nicosavoredher,thesmellofhermuskstrong.Hecoulddrinkherallday.

Hemadehimselfreleaseherhand.“Showme.”

Shegavehimashylook,buthereyessparkledwithexcitement.Sheslidherunderwearallthewayoff,
thenstoodwithherlegsspreadalittle.Thetriangleofhairatherthighswasadarkerblondbutjustas
curlyasthehaironherhead.

“Youdon’tshaveyourself?”

Sheshookherhead.“Ineverthinkaboutit.”

Nicodippedhishandtohercurls,likinghowtheycaughtathisfingertips.“IthinkIlikethatyoudon’t.”

Hebackedawayagain,knowinghewasn’theretotouchthistime;hewasheretowatch.

“Putyourfingersoneithersideofyourclit,”heinstructed.“Spreadyourselfout.”

Patriciahesitatedamoment,thenshemovedthefirsttwofingersofherlefthandbetweenherlegs.

Nicopulledachairfromthedeskandsatdown,makinghimselfcomfortable.Herfingersspreadhersohe
couldseethelips,pinkandmoist,peekingoutfromherthatchofhair.Herclitwasalittlebud,swelling
slightlyundertheattentionitwasgetting.Nicoitchedtogettohiskneesandflickhistongueoverit,buthe
restrainedhimself.

“Touchyourself,”hesaidinasoftvoice.“Explore.Yourbodyisbeautiful,andyoushouldn’tignoreit.”

“Inhibitionsdrilledintomefromchildhood.”Sheletoutabreathysighashermiddlefingersankdownto
findherclit.“Nicegirlsdidn’tmasturbate.Oreventhinkaboutsex.”

“Idon’tbelieveyouneverthoughtaboutsex.”

“OfcourseIthoughtaboutit.”Hermouthrelaxedassherockedherfingeronherhood.“Mmmm.ButI
neverfollowedup.Ialmostgotmarried.ThenIhadalong-termboyfriendafterthat.IthoughtIdidn’t
needtolearntopleasemyself.”

Interesting.Hewonderedwhathadcalledoffthewedding,andwherethelong-termloverwasnow.

Heresistedgoingtoherandsnakinghisfingersintojoinhers.She’dbemoistandhot,swellingasshe
relaxed.“Pressyourthighstogetheroveryourfingers.Squeezeyourself.”

Patriciaputherfeettogether.Hermusclescontracted,andsheletoutalittleyelpofpleasure.

“That’sit.Now,dipthatfingerinsideyou.Feelthewetness,drawitouttosmoothoveryourclit.”

“It’sverywet.”

“Icanseethat.”

Hercurlsglistenedinthesunlightfromtheonewindow.Shestrokedherfingersinandout,brow
furrowingassheexploredandtestedherself.

Nicoguidedherwithhisvoice,notlettingherstop.Herbreathcamefaster,herfacerelaxing,eyes
driftingclosed.Asshebecamemoreusedtowhatshedidtoherself,herhipsmoved,backarching.

“I’mthinkingaboutyou,”shemurmured.“Howbeautifulyoulookedlyinginmyshopdownstairswith
yourwings—no,howtotallyhotyoulooked.Ididn’tknowwhoorwhatyouwere,butIwantedtolookat
you...andtouchyou.”

Heleanedforward,watchingherintently.“Youbandagedmywingforme.”

“Youwerehurt,andIwantedtohelp.ButIwantedtotouchyou.”

Hisheartbeatthickandfast.“Ifthat’swhatyouwant,I’mheretopleaseyou.”

Herhipslifted,herhandsqueezingtighterbetweenherlegs.Hewatchedherwristworkassherubbed
backandforth.

“Touchme,now,”shebegged.“Withyourwings.”

Nicofeltamomentofsurprise,thenheslidoffthechairandspreadhiswings,fillingthelittleroomwith
theirsleekblackness.

“Yes,”Patriciamoaned.“Touchme.Covermewiththem.”

Nicocametoherandslidthemaroundherbody,lovingthefeelofhernakedness.Patricia’shandworked,
herbodylearningwhatsheliked.

Nicostrokedacrossherlowerabdomen,fingerscaressingandkneading.Hermusclestightenedand
pulsed,andhecouldfeeltheheatfromherpussywithouteventouchingit.

Hestilledhishandsandstrokedhisfeathersdownoverherclit,twiningthemwithherfingers,lovingthe
wetnesshefoundbetweenherlegs.

Ashisfeatherspenetratedher,shewentcrazyrubbingherselfonhiswings,andNicoclenchedhisfiststo
keepfromtossinghertothefloorandsimplyfuckingher.

Asmuchashewantedtosliderightintothepussyshe’dopenedforhimandreleasedeepinsideher,he
wouldn’tdoit.Thiswasherpleasure,nothis.

Hecouldfeelhiscontrolsnapping,wakingthefamouswildnessthathadmadewomenbothhumanand
magicalrunfromhiminhisyouth.Theyneverranveryfast,happytobecaughtandtrappedinNico’s
blackwings.

Hisvisionwentdark,thebrightwindowblurring.HewantedPatricia.Hiscockhatedhimfornotfalling
onherandfuckingherwithoutcompassion.Therewassomethingaboutherthatmadehimwanttoloseall
control,butthatwasforbidden.

Heheldhisbodyrigidandclosedhiseyes,willinghimselftoremainstill.Heneededtokeepthisabout
her,tonothurther.

Somethingwarmbrushedhisface:Patricia’slips,softandshaking.“Thankyou,”shewhispered.

ThesweetgratitudeknockedthroughNico’sdarkness.HeopenedhiseyestoseePatricia’strustingface
nexttohisown,hereyeswarmwithhersmile.

“Thankyou,”shesaidagain,thenherexpressionturnedtoconcern.“Areyouallright?”

“Iwillbe.”Hepulledherclose,wrappingbothoftheminthewarmthofhiswings.Hernearness,the
smellofhercome,andherarmsaroundhimmadehimwanttoholdherlikethisforever.

HeheardafaintnoiseandlookedbehindhertoseeAndreas,stillaleopard,loungingonthesofa.He
musthavecomeinwhiletheyplayed,thebigcatmakingnonoise.

PatriciakeptherfaceinNico’sshoulder,notnoticing.Andreasyawnedonce,thenlaidhisheaddownon
hispaws,thelookinhiseyesoneofbothamusementandsatisfaction.

AcabcrawleduptownafewhourslateranddepositedtheminfrontofMrs.Penworth’sbuilding.They
rodeupinanelevatorthatcontainedacushionedbenchandamanwhosejobitwastopushthebuttons
forresidentsandtheirguests.

PatricialedNicoandAndreasdownamarblehallwayandrangthedoorbellnexttothedoubledoorsat
theend.Myrtle,asixty-something,rotundwoman,openedthedoor,beamedawidesmile,andushered
theminside.Mrs.Penworth’stwo-storylivingroomwascrammedfullofartandcollections,but
tastefully.She’dbeencollectingfordecades,andhereyewaslegendary.

PatriciafeltAndreas’stensionbehindher,hisauracracklinglikeelectricity.Nicowasalittlecalmerbut
notbymuch.Hestayedastepbehindher,hisfingersonthesmallofherback,aconstantreminderofwhat
she’ddoneearlierthatday.

Sheneededtostopblushing.Butshe’dneverdonethatbefore,nevertouchedherselfwhileamanwatched
herwithintenseeyes.Nicohadleftheraftersoothingherforawhile,notdemandingshepleasurehimin
returnorproceedtoherbedandfinishwhattheystarted.He’dbeenrock-hard,buthe’dlethergo,kissed
her,andlefthertodress.

ShewantedtoaskNicosomanyquestionsabouthimselfandthiscursehetalkedabout,butwhenshe’d
returnedtotheshopbelow,Andreashadbeengrowlingimpatientlyaboutwantingtoseetheostracon,and
there’dbeennotimefordiscussion.Patricia’stwocatshadbeensprawledacrossAndreas’slap,thebig
manabsentlypettingthemastheypurredupastorm.

NowMrs.PenworthgreetedPatriciabyenvelopingherinadiamond-flashing,lightlyperfumedhug.She
wasaboutfivefeettallandverythin,hereyesglitteringcarbuncleblue.“Patricia,itissogoodtosee
you.Andyourhandsomefriends.”

HergazerakedoverAndreasandNicowithferventappreciation,andPatriciathoughtwithamusement
thatthewomanwasn’tdead.

Boththemenlookednormalthisafternoon—atleastasnormalasasnowleopardshifterandawinged
mancouldlook.Theyworedarkbluejeansandsweatshirts,Nico’sblack,Andreas’sdarkred.Thegold
chainsaroundtheirneckswinkedinchancebeamsofsunlight.

Myrtlebroughtoutchampagneonasterlingtrayandserveditincut-crystalglasses.Shescootedoutagain
andreturnedalmostinstantlywithalargertrayofcanapésandotherhorsd’oeuvres,enoughforapartyof
severaldozenpeople.

“Ilovechampagne.”Mrs.Penworthsmiledasshetookatastingsip.“WhenIlivedinParisafterthewar,
myyoungmengotmechampagneeverynight.Ofcourse,itwasn’tallowed—allblackmarketstuff.We
didn’tcare.Wewerecelebratingbeingalive.”

Niconoddedinunderstanding.“Celebratingbeingalive—sometimesitisthebestthingtodo.”

Mrs.Penworthdepositedtheglassonthetable.“Now,youcametoseeyourostracon,notlistentoanold
ladyreminisce.It’srightoverthere.Willyoubringit,Myrtle?”

Myrtle,whodideverythingwithagood-naturedefficiency,walkedtoatablefullofpolishedstone
objects,liftedtheostraconfromitsstand,andcarefullybroughtittothem.

Andreasrelievedherofitandsetitonthecoffeetablehimself.Theostraconwasmadeoflimestoneand
carvedwithamixtureofhieroglyphsandhieraticwriting,the“shorthand”formofEgyptianwriting.Some
ofthehieroglyphsweresotinytheyneededamagnifyingglasstoreadthem.

Patricialetherpsychicmindtouchit,butasbeforewhenshe’dstoreditinherbackroom,shefeltnothing
unusualfromit.TheostraconhadbeenexcavatedfromasitenearAlexandriaabouttenyearsago.Two
thousandyearsbeforethat,ascribehadtosseditnegligentlyintoacorner,whereithadlainfortwo
millennia,silentanduntouched.Shefeltthepeaceofthosecenturies,thenitsshifttothedustyjumbleof
thebasementoftheCairomuseumandthetingleofitsjourneytoNewYork.

Shecouldtellthatthiswasabrokenpieceofalargerwriting,someofthecarvedlettersatthejagged
edgesslicedintwo.Andreasranhisfingersacrossthetinywriting,blueeyesfixed.Nicoleanedforward
withhim,utterlystill.

“Canyoureadit?”PatriciaaskedNico.

“Someofit.”

Andreascouldn’tstoptouchingthestone.Hetracedthehieroglyphswithhisfingertipsasthoughhe’d
forcetheirmeaningoutthenandthere.“Itdoesn’tmakeanysense.”

Mrs.Penworthwatchedwithinterest.“It’stheinscriptionyou’reinterestedin?Nottheostraconitself?”

Andreasnoddedabsently.Nico’sbreathcamefaster,asthoughthewritingexcitedhim.

“Icouldtakephotosofit,”Patriciaoffered.“Thenwecanlayoutthewholeinscriptionandstudyit.I’ve
learnedtoreadsomehieroglyphs,butwecangetanexpertintotranslatetherest.Idon’tknowanyofthe
hieratic.”

Andreasatlasttookhishandfromtheostracon.“Yes.Doit.”

Themandidn’thaveagraciousboneinhisbody.“Sayplease,”Patriciasaidinasugaryvoice.

Theglareheflashedatherwaspureleopard.Shehalfexpectedhimtosnarlandbarehisteeth.

“Peace,”Nicosaid.HissilkyvoicesoothedPatriciaalmostinstantly.Andreasgrowledalittleinhis
throatbutsubsided.

Theever-efficientMyrtlebroughtoutadigitalcamera.Patriciasetuptheostracononthemagnificent
diningroomtableandtookaseriesofoverallphotosandclose-upsthatcouldbeputtogetherlater.

Mrs.Penworthwatchedwithenthusiasm,butAndreaspacedrestlessly.Nicowasjustasimpatient,buthe
helpedholdthestonesteadywhilePatriciaworked.

Itwasalittleunnervingtohavehimsoclose,tobrushagainsthimandcatchhiswarmeyesonher.She
wonderedwhether,oncetheyhadtheirinscription,thetwoofthemwoulddepart.Theycouldeasilycalla
universityormuseumthemselvesandfindanexperttohelpthemtranslatethehieroglyphsandhieratic
script.Theywouldn’tneedPatriciaanymore.

Sheclickedthelastphotoandwipedherbrow.MyrtletookPatriciatoacomputerinanotherroomwhere
sheuploadedthephotos,printedthemout,andbroughtthembackintothelivingroom.

Mrs.PenworthlookedatthesheetsspreadacrosshercostlymahoganytableasPatricialabeledthemso
theycouldmatchtheclose-upstotheoverallpicture.“Whatdowedonow?”Mrs.Penworthasked
brightly.

Thedoorbellchimed,andPatriciafeltaprickleofunease.“Wereyouexpectingsomeone?”

“No,dear.”

Myrtleduckedouttoanswerthebell,butNicoswungaround,alert.“Myrtle,”hecalled.“Don’topenthe
door.”

Myrtlepaused,lookingbackatMrs.Penworthforconfirmation.

“What’swrong?”Mrs.Penworthasked.Shelookedexcitedratherthanafraid.

Patriciafeltatwingeofthesameaurashe’dsensedthismorning,thedarkredandblackswirlsthat

surroundedtheblondDyon.

AndreastookMyrtlebytheshouldersandshovedherbackintothesafetyofthelivingroomatthesame
timesomethingslammedagainstthefrontdoor.Myrtlescreamed.Mrs.Penworthgavealittleshriekand
dashedthroughanarchwaythatledtothebackhall.

“Dyon?”PatriciaaskedNico.Henoddedgrimly.

Patriciatookupastancebehindhimasthedoorcontinuedtobebatteredwithmassiveforce.

“Thatdoor’sahundredandfiftyyearsold,”Myrtlesaid,distressed.“They’llruinit,andMrs.Penworth
willbesoupset.”

“Gointhebackwithher,”Nicosaidsternly.

Myrtlelookedathiminanguish,thenbackatthedoor.Finally,sheturnedandscuttledthroughthe
archwaytothehall.

ShemetMrs.Penworthcomingout.Atthesametime,thedoorcrashedopen,andtheDyonwho’d
confrontedPatriciathismorningburstin.HisfaceboreredstreaksfromAndreas’sattack,butotherwise,
helookedwholeandstrong.

Hewentrightfortheostracon.Andreastackledhim,swingingtheDyonawayfromthetable.Nico
remainedinfrontofPatricia,protectivebutreadytofight.

TheDyonmanagedtobreakAndreas’sholdjustasMrs.Penworthsteppedrightinfrontofhim,ahuge
revolverinhertinyfists.“Holditrightthere,buster.”

TheDyonstoppedinsuddensurprise.Foramoment,noonemoved.TheDyonstaredatMrs.Penworth,
NicoandAndreasfroze,andMyrtlewatchedfromthearchway,openmouthed.

TheDyonsnarledandlungedatMrs.Penworth.Mrs.Penworthfiredfourtimes,herbodyjerking
backwarduntilshetoppledover.TheDyongapedatthefourslugsinhischest,thenhefelltothefloor,
bloodsplatteringthetwohundred-year-oldTurkishcarpet.

“DidIgethim?”theoldladyasked,jumpingtoherfeet.

“Yes,”Patriciacroaked.Sheputherhandtoherhead,tryingtocatchherbreath,asshestareddownatthe
Dyon,wholaymotionlessinapoolofblood.“Ithinkyougothim.”

5

PATRICIAcouldn’ttelliftheDyonwasaliveordead,andhadnowayofknowingwhethersuchabeing
couldbekilledbyaconventionalgun.Shewonderedwhatthiswasgoingtolookliketothemundane
police.

TheDyonjerked,andPatricia’sheartjumpedintoherthroat.Then,ashehadthismorning,theDyon
dissolvedintoathickcolumnofsmoke.Thesmokedissipatedastheywatchedinsilence,thebloodwith
it.

“Well,”Mrs.Penworthsaidwithabreathysigh.“Atleastwedon’thavetoworryaboutgettingridofthe
body.”

MyrtlefirmlyremovedtherevolverfromMrs.Penworth’sgripandemptieditofbullets.“We’llhave
securityuphereanyminutenow,”shesaid.“Youknowwhatthey’vetoldyouaboutshootingoffyourgun
inthehouse.”

Patriciasanktothesofa,herearsstillringingfromtheshots.NicoandAndreasseemedunaffected.They
facedeachotheroverthespotwheretheDyon’sbodyhadlain,arguingaboutsomething,Patriciacould
nottellwhat.Shesuddenlyfeltdrainedandexhausted.

“Didthatkillhim?”sheaskedinaloudvoice.

NicoandAndreasturnedtogether,twogorgeousmeneyeingherinverydifferentways.Nico’sgazewas
darkandlacedwiththememoryofwhatthey’ddoneinherapartment.Andreas’swascoldandclear,
assessingher.

PatriciawonderedifAndreasfeltthesamecompulsiontopleasureherthatNicodid.Orperhapsit
workedonlyifsheshowedinterestinhimfirst,ormaybehehadtohaveaninclinationtowardherfrom
thebeginning.

ThefearinNico’seyeswhenhetoldherhe’dwritheinagonyifhedidn’tpleasureherhadbeenreal.
Oncehe’dmadeherorgasm,hehadn’tinsistedshepayhimbackortheygotoherbedroom.Thismade
himdifferentfromherpastboyfriends,whohadprettymuchwantedtoscrewuntiltheyweresatisfied,
whethershefeltanythingornot.

Sowhyhadn’tAndreasshownthesamecompulsion?

ShehadthesuddenvisionofAndreasapproachingherassoonasNicowasdone,tellingherheneededto
pleasureher,too.Nicocouldwatch,orjoinin,asheliked.SheimaginedNicosmilingatherwithhis
warmeyeswhileAndreassanktohiskneestolickherpussy.

ShegaspedandjerkedhereyesopentofindAndreasglaringather.

“What?”heaskedirritably.

Shegulped.“Isaid,didthebulletskillhim?”

“Probablynot,”Nicoansweredher.“Hewascreatedbyagoddess,sohelivesanddiesatherpleasure.

Butitprobablyputhimoutofcommissionforawhile.”

“Longenoughforustogettheinscriptiontranslated?”

“Maybe.Butshe’llsendothers.”

Patriciablewoutherbreath.“We’dbestgetonit,then.”

Nicolookedatherforalongtime,emotionsflickeringthroughhiseyes.Sheknewwhathewasgoingto
say,evenbeforehestarted.

“Wehavewhatweneed,now,Patricia.TheDyonswon’tbotheryouanymore.Theywon’tinterfere
unlessyoudosomethingtohelpus,andyou’vedoneallyoucan.”Hiseyeswentbleak.“Ienjoyed
meetingyou.”

Patriciastoodup.“Sothat’sit,then?”

“That’salltherecanbe.”

“Oh,really?CanItalktoyouinprivate,Nico?”

NicoglancedatMrs.Penworth,whowashappilyreenactingtheshootingforMyrtle.Someonebuzzedthe
outerdoor,andaworriedvoicesaid,“Areyouallrightinthere,ma’am?”

AsMyrtlehurriedtothedoor,NicofollowedPatriciadownthenarrowbackhalltothekitchen.The
spaciouschambergleamedwithgraniteandstainlesssteel,theprofusionofcopperpotsandpansputting
mostrestaurantkitchenstoshame.

Patriciafacedhiminthemiddleoftheslatefloorandputherhandsonherhips.“So,thismorningmeant
nothingtoyou?”

Hedidn’tpretendnottounderstand.“Itcan’tmeananythingtoyou.”

“You’resocertain,areyou?Idon’tpullmypantiesdownforjustanyone,youknow.Iwassurprisedyou
didn’ttakeitfurther,butIfiguredyoudidn’twanttorushitonthefirstdate.”

“Patricia.”

Hesoundedpatient.Menalwayssoundedpatientwhentheywantedtobreakup.Sayinghedidn’twantto
hurther—well,ofcoursenot,becauseifhethoughtshewashurting,hemighthavetofeelguilty.

Sherushedon.“WhydoyouthinkIhelpedyou,Nico?Fixedupyourwingandarrangedthisvisit?Putup
withAndreas’sbadtemperandevenbeingattackedinmystore?”

“Becauseyouwerecurious?”

“Onlypartly.Thismorningyoubeggedmetoletyougivemepleasure,andsuddenlyyou’resaying,
‘Thanksfortheinscription,good-bye.’Hell,Iplayedwithmynipplesforyou.I’veneverdonethat
before,foranyone.”

Hiseyesdarkened.“Doyouwantmore?Isupposewehavetimeforalittlemore.Youcommandme.”

“That’snotwhatImean.Imeant...maybewecouldgettoknoweachother.You’refascinating.Iwantto
knowallaboutyou.”

Hegaveheralittlesmile.“Gettoknowyourpleasureslave?”

Hiseyeswerebleak,butthesuddenvisionofhimasapleasureslavewasheady.TohaveNicolyingon
herbedwithhisblackwingsspreadunderhim,nakedforherdelight,wouldbeabsoluteheaven.

Hetouchedthegoldchainaroundhisneck.“Thesearefusedonbysuchpowerfulmagicthatwewould
destroyourselvesifwetriedtoremovethem.WhenIamwithyou,youholdmychain.”

TheideaofhavingsuchpoweroveramanlikeNicomadehershiver.Shecouldn’tquitebelievethathe
wouldbeherslave;shecouldn’timagineherselfmasteringthisstrong,strongmalewho’dmadeherfeel
sojoyful.“Andyoudon’twantthat,Itakeit.”

“Onthecontrary.I’dloveit.”Hesteppedclosetoher,hiswarmthbathingher.“I’dloveeveryminuteof
it,evenifbeingwithyoumeantdestroyingmyself.I’dloveitandwantmore.”

“I’dneverhurtyou,”shesaid,startled.“I’mnotacruelwoman,Nico.Inevercouldbe.”

“Cursesaren’tmeanttobecrueltyfree.”

Patriciatouchedhismouth,likingthefirmnessofit.“Thenwe’dbettergetthatinscriptiontranslated,so
wecangettoknoweachotherwithnopeskycursesbetweenus.”

Nico’sexpressionremainedneutral.“You’regoingtoinsist.”

“Afraidso.”

Helookedaway,someemotionflickeringacrosshisfaceshedidn’tunderstand.Whenhelookedbackat
her,hiseyesheldnakedhungerandatouchofthefearshe’dseenbefore.

Hesnakedhishandtothenapeofherneckandpressedakisstohermouth.Itwasn’tlikethegreedy,hot
kisshe’dbentonherinherapartment;thisonewaswarm,almostsweet.Hekissedhercheekbeforehe
pulledaway,hiswhiskersscrapingherskin.

“I’mboundtoyou,”hewhispered.“It’stoolateforme.”

Shestartedtoargueagainthatshedidn’tbelieveinenslavinganyone,buthetouchedherlipsandshook
hishead.“Let’sgotranslatehieroglyphs.”

Withoutanotherword,hetookherhandandledherbacktothelivingroom.

Andreashadresumedintentlystudyingtheostraconatthediningroomtable.Mrs.Penworthwas
demonstratingforthestartledsecurityguardandMyrtlehowshe’dshotoffherrevolver,bam,bam,bam,
bam.

Ofallthepeopleintheapartmentatthemoment,Mrs.Penworthlookedhappiest.

PATRICIAknewtheycouldn’tsimplyshowupatamuseumoruniversitycampusanddemandtospeakto
someonewhocouldtranslateancientEgyptian.First,shehadtotrackdownanexpert.Second,shehadto

makesurehewasavailableandsomewhateasytoreach.Third,shehadtocontacthimandmakean
appointmentathisconvenience.

BothAndreasandNicowerecertainthatMrs.Penworthwouldn’tbebotheredagainbytheDyons.Dyons
weren’tkillingmachines,Nicoexplained,butenforcersofHera’scurse,madetopreventAndreasand
Nicofrombreakingthespell.Theyweren’tverysmartcreatures,andifNicoandAndreasbehavedas
thoughMrs.Penworthcouldhelpthemnomore,theDyonswouldleaveheralone.

Thisexplanationdidn’tmakePatriciafeelmuchbetter,butshewaslessreluctanttoleaveMrs.Penworth.
TheelderlyladytookPatriciaasidebeforetheyleftandthankedherforthewonderfullyexciting
afternoon.

“Idon’tenvyyouhavingtochoosebetweenthosetwo,”shesaid,givingAndreasandthenNicoanother
appreciativeonce-over.“They’rebothtodiefor.IfonlyIwerefortyyearsyounger.”Shesighedbutwith
atwinkleinhereyes.

Patricia’scheekswarmedasshelefttheapartment.Nicowalkedbesideher,againwithhishandonher
back,guidingandprotective.Andreasprowledbehindthem,movinglikethebigcathewas.

ShereturnedwithNicoandAndreastotheirclub,whereNicosaidshecouldusetheirstate-of-the-art
computertoresearchhieroglyphexperts.Itwasjustafterdark,thein-betweentimeinManhattanwhenthe
daycommutershadscuttleddowntothesubwaysandthenighthawkshadn’tyetemerged.

Nicoshowedhertheofficethatopenedofftheirsuite,thendisappearedtogetreadyfortheclubopening.
Patriciastartedhersearching,beginningwithmuseumsanduniversitiessheknewhadgoodarchaeology
oranthropologyprogramsontheancientworld.

ShesoonbecameawareofAndreasbehindher,hisgazeintenseonthebackofherneck,whileshetyped
andclicked.

“IcanworktheInternet,”shetoldhimalittlenervously.“I’vebeenonlinesinceonlinewasinvented.”

Andreasputonehandonthedeskandleanedoverhershouldertopeeratthescreen.“You’reGoogling
archaeologists?”

“I’mlookingupuniversityfacultyandmuseumdirectories.I’llmakealistofthoseclosesttous,thenstart
callingtomorrow.It’snotbrainsurgery.”

Andreasmadeasoundofagreement,buthewouldn’tgoaway.Hehungoverhershoulderasshetypedin
searchtermsandclickedontheresults.Asshewrotedownherlist,Andreas’shotbreathtrickledacross
herskin.

“Youdon’thavetowatch,”shesaid.

“I’mcurious.Youknow,likeacat.”

Hisbreathtransferredtoherearashisblueeyesfixedonher.Sheclearedherthroat.“Haveyoualways
beenabletoshiftintoaleopard?”

“Iwasbornaleopard.Ilearnedtoshiftintohumanformlater.Mymothertaughtme.”

“Isee.”

“No,youdon’t.WhyareyouteasingNico?”

Sheblinked,tryingnottobeunnervedthathisintenseeyesweresonearhers.“Teasinghim?Whatareyou
talkingabout?”

“Helikesyou.”

“Ilikehim.Whatwomanwouldn’t?”

Hisvoicegrated.“Sweetheart,youhavenoideawhatkindoffireyou’replayingwith.”

Hisgazewaschill,butshesensedheatdeepinsidehim,thesamekindNicopossessed.

“ItoldNicoIwashappytohelpyougetfreeofwhateverthiscurseis,”shesaid.“Thenwecangetto
knoweachother,likeanormalcouple.”

Andreasleanedcloser.“Likeyouandhecouldeverbeanormalcouple.Lethimgo,now.Whatyou’re
doingiscruel.”

Patriciaforcedherselftomeethislightblueeyes,whichwereinfusedwithdiamondlikeflecks.“I’mnota
femmefatale,Andreas.I’mnotouttohurtanyone.”

“Butitdoeshurthim.”

“Youmeanbecausehehastogivemepleasureorelseheexperiencespain?Bytheway,whydon’tyou
feelthatway?”

Andreassanktoonekneebesideher,notaconciliatorygesturebutonethatlethimgetcloserthanever.
“Hewantsyou,he’llbetorturedbecauseofyou,andyou’llneverbeabletofeelabouthimthewayhe
feelsaboutyou.”

“You’remakingnosense.I’mattractedtohim.I’vealreadysaidthat.”

“Hedidn’ttellyou,didhe?”

“Tellmewhat?”

Andreas’svoicewentharsh.“Theentiretruth.Thathe’llfallinlovewithyou,butyou’llneverbeableto
fallinlovewithhim.He’llburnup,andyou’llgobacktorunningyourantiquestorelikenothing
happened.”

Shestaredathim,mouthopen.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“It’sthecurse,dearPatricia.Whenwefeelanattraction,wehavetopursueitalltheway—Imean,allthe
way—butthewomanwilluseanddiscarduswithoutgivingadamn.It’sHera’sveryfemalewayof
gettingbackatus.”

Sheblinked.“GoodLord,whatdidyoudotoher?”

“NicoandIweretypicaldemigodswaybackwhen.Wehadpowerandimmortalityanddidwhateverwe

damnwellpleased.Ifthatmeantchasingaprettylittlepriestesswhowasperfectlywillingtobecaught,
wedidit.Whenwerefusedtobecomeherdevotedslaves,shecomplainedtoHera,whocursedustothe
slaveryofallwomen.Shewantedtoteachusthemeaningofabrokenheart,shesaid.”

Patriciawatchedhiminshock.“Seemsabitextreme.”

“Thelittlepriestessneverhadabrokenheart.Butshewasangrywithus,andHerasimplyprojectedher
ownbrokenheartednessovermenontoher.Shebroughtdowndivinewrath.”

“IfIremembermymythologyright,Zeuswasneverexactlyastay-at-homehusband.”

Andreasdidn’tlookhappy.“Ishouldknow.Hewasmyfather.ButHerawasn’tmymother.Zeustookthe
formofasnowleopardtoseducemymother,andtheresultwasme.”

Patricialistenedinfascination,wonderingwhethertobelieveanyofit.She’dneverheardastoryabout
Zeusasasnowleopard,butthereweremanytalesofhimturningintoanimalsorrainfallorsomethingto
havehiswaywithwhateverwomancaughthiseye.

“WhataboutNico?”sheasked.“He’sademigodaswell?”

“AsonofDionysus,thegodofjoyandlaughter,sexandwine.That’swhyhe’ssodamncharming.His
motherwasanymph,whichiswherehegotthewings.”

“Ilikehiswings,”Patriciasaid,rememberinghowmuchshelikedthem.

“Theinterestyoufeelforhimisfalse.You’llbreakhisheart,buthewon’tbreakyours.”

“Andwhataboutyou?”sheasked.

“Whataboutme?”

“Whywillhebreakhisheartoverme,butyouwon’t?Orcanonlyoneofyougetsmackedbythecurseat
atime?”

Andreas’sgazewasaspalpableasatouch.“Iwon’tbecauseyouhaven’tshowninterestinmeyet.Nico
istheniceone.Iwouldshowyouadifferentkindofpassion,oneyou’renotreadyfor.”

Herpulsequickened.“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”

Andreasleanedcloser,hisfacenearlytouchinghers.“Nicowillshowyouplayfuldesire;he’llshowyou
howtoloveeveryminuteofit.Youwillonlywantmeifyouwantsomethingstronger,morepowerful.
Somepartofyourselfyou’reafraidtosurrenderto.”

“Ithinkyou’reoptimistic,”shesaidfaintly.

“Itwillhappen.I’llbeyourslave,butyou’llwanttosurrendereverythingtome.Everything.AndthenI
willteachyouwhatyouneversuspectedyouwanted.”

Ashiverbegandeepinsideher.Shetoldherselfthiswasutternonsense,themagicofthiscursecouldn’t
workonher.Shewaspsychic,tooawareofthesupernaturalworldtosuccumbtoitstricks.

ShelikedNicobecause—well,shelikedhim.Shelikedhiswarmeyes,histouch,hissexywings.She
didn’tneedanythingmorethanthat.

Somethinginthebackofhermindlaughedather.Hersexlifehadalwaysbeenabitmediocre.She’d
beenengagedatnineteen,whenplainsexwassofreshthatneithershenorherfiancéwasvery
experimental.Latershe’dbegunafive-yearrelationshipwithamanshe’dmetincollege,whoseideaof
daringsexwasthemissionarypositionwiththelighton.

She’dnevergonebeyondtheordinary,neverhadthechancetotrythethingsherfantasiesandbestsexual
dreamsconjured.WithAndreas’sbodyheatcoveringher,hermindurgedhertoexamineafewofthose
fantasiesalittlemoreclosely.

ButwithNico.

ShetouchedAndreas’sface.“I’msorry.IwantNico.”

Andreas’ssmilewashotandsinful.Foramomentshewonderedwhathe’ddoifheweren’tboundbythe
curse,iftheslavechainbroke.Sheenvisionedhimnaked,hispenishardandhugewhilehetouchedher
bodyanddecidedwhathe’ddotoher.

“Whenyou’reready,”hesaid,hisvoicedeceptivelysoft,“you’llcometome,andI’llshowyouwhat
givesyouultimatesatisfaction.”

Itwasaheadythought,allthemorefrighteningbecauseshethoughtshemightlikeit.

“Don’tyouhaveaclubtorun?”Nicorumbledfromthedoorway.

Patriciajumped.Nicoleanedagainstthedoorframe—howlonghe’dbeenthere,shecouldn’ttell.Hehad
showered,andhisdarkhairwasdamp,andhe’ddressedinacleanAndre’sT-shirtandjeans.

Andreastookhistimegettingtohisfeet.“Asamatteroffact,Ido.Whydon’tIgorunitwhileyouhelp
Patriciadohersearch?”

NicoturnedhisgazefullyonAndreas,eyesspeakingvolumesthatPatriciadidn’tunderstand.“Thank
you.”

“Hey,I’myourbestfriend.”AndreasclappedNicoontheshoulderashepassedhim.

“You’reapainintheass,”Nicotoldhim.

“LikeIsaid.”Andreasbangedoutoftheroom,leavingthemaloneandPatriciaveryhotandconfused.

6

NICOremainedwherehewas,watchingPatriciastareathimwithherbeautifulbluegreeneyes.Herhair
tumbleddowninthickcurlsthathewantedtofurrowwithhishands.

Herfacewasbeetred.“Andreaswasjust—”

“IknowwhatAndreaswasdoing.”NicolockedthedoorAndreashadjustbangedbehindhim,theclick
loudinthestillness.“Hewasfindingoutwhetheryouwantedhim,ifhewouldbeupherepleasuringyou
withme.”

Patricialeftherchair.Damn,shewasasexywoman.Hecouldfeastonher.Hecouldteachherthingsshe
couldn’timagine,sexsopowerfulshe’dbeinastuporfordays.HehadthegiftofDionysusfor
pleasuring,andhecouldgivepleasurebeyondmortalunderstandingofit.Hecouldhurtwithpleasure,or
hecouldhealwithit,whicheverwayshewantedit.

Hervoicewasstrained.“Hetoldmethatanythingyoufeelaboutmeispartofthespell.”

“Partly.ButIcan’timagineamannotfallingforyou,love.”

Shewatchedhimsteadily,keepingherselffromsofteningtohisflattery.“HealsotoldmeIcouldnever
fallforyou.”

Heshrugged,pretendingtobematter-of-fact.“Whenyou’redonewithme,you’lltellmetogo.That’s
howitworks.”

“AndI’mnotallowedtohaveanysay?”

“Youwon’twantmeanymore,andyou’llbesurprisedyoueverdid.It’sapowerfulcurse.WhatIfeel
isn’tgoingtomatter.”

“Itmatterstome,”shesaidstubbornly.

Nicowenttoherandputhishandsonhershoulders.“I’llgiveyouthegreatestpleasureIknowhowto
give.I’mhappytodoit,notonlybecauseI’mcompelledto,butbecauseIthinkyoudeserveit.Butyou
shouldn’tpretenditwillbeanymorethanthat.”

Herestedhishandslightlyonhershoulders,lettinghisthumbsplayalongherneck.Hewasskilledat
seductionandsoothingaladyindistress,butrightnowheonlyhopedshewouldn’tpullaway.

Shereachedupandlightlykissedhislowerlip.

Thetelltalepainbeganinhisgut,theneedtopleasureherbeforeagonytookhim.Nicofoughttoslow
downsohecouldsavorher.Pleasuredidn’tequatewithspeed;slowwasbest.

Throughtheageshe’dbeenforcedtoservicewomenwhousedtheirpowercruelly,delightedthey’d
ensnaredNicoastheirpet.Inancienttimes,they’dknownaboutandacceptedhisdivinenature;asthe
worldchanged,he’dbeenforcedtohideitmoreandmore.Nowcamethiswomanwhocouldseehis
divinityandwasn’tfrightenedbyit,whotoldhimshelovedhiswingsandwassorryhe’dbeencursed.

Hebreathedinthesweetscentofherhairasheleanedtokissherfully.Sheexudedconfidencethatthe
inscriptionwouldbethekeytosettingthemfree,andoncefree,they’dbeabletopursuewhathefelt
betweenthem.ButNicoknewdamnwellnothingwouldbethateasy.

Patriciagentlysuckledhislip,andhisalreadyrock-hardcockleapt.Heneededreliefandrelease,andhe
neededher.Buthehadtodothisonherterms.

Shedippedhertongueinsidehismouth,lickingbehindhislipbeforesheeasedaway.“ThistimeIwant
yououtofyourclothes.Stripforme,Nico.”

Hisbloodwenthot.Shewantedtoplay.

Hemovedtothespeakerpositionedabovethedoorandturnedupthemonitor,whichletthemhearthe
musicplayinginthenow-openclubbelow.ThegrittybeatofNineInchNailsfilledtheroom,andNico
startedastripteasetoit.

HehidasmileatthewayPatricia’sgazefixedsolidlyonhimasheskimmedoffhisshirtandtossedit
aside.Helethishipsgyratelikeamaleexoticdancer’s,whilehemovedinacirclearoundher.Hedidn’t
lookather,lettingthemovementsofhisbodyshowherhowmuchhewantedher.

Shelaughed,alightsoundinthemiddleoftheharshmusic.Nicoskimmedhishandthroughhiswethair,
lettingitfallhaphazardly.Hedancedplentydownstairsintheclub,andhe’dalwaysbeenabletoquickly
learnthedancerhythmsofeachdecade.Itwasallmuchthesame:theenergyofmovingtoabeat,using
thebodytoentertainandentice.

Patricia’ssmilewashuge.“Takeitoff,Nico.”Shelaughed.

Nicounbuttonedandunzippedhisjeans.Heteasedherbyholdingtheflyopenbutkeepinghisbacktoher,
workinghisassbackandforthtothemusic.

Shecheered.Atlastheshovedthepantsdownhislegs,lettingthemrestonhisthighs,whilehelacedhis
handsbehindhisheadandkeptdancing.

“ThisisbetterthanChristmas,”Patriciashoutedoverthemusic.

Nicoenticedherforawhilewithhispantshalfdown,thenhekickedoutofhisjeansandfacedher,
wearingnothingbutathong.Patricia’slaughterdied,buthereyesretainedahotglow.

Hedanceduptoher,gyratinghisbodyagainsthers,stillnotlookingather.Hewoundoneofherarms
aroundhisneckandplacedhishandonherhip,makingherdancewithhim.

Shewaswarmandsoft,andhecouldsmellherexcitement.Thetipsofherbreastsgrazedhischest
throughhershirtandbra,andhewassohardhistipwaspokingabovehiswaistband.Hisbodywanted
himtotakeherdown,stripher,fuckher,butheforcedhisneedback.

Heteasedanddanced,fittinghersupplebodyagainsthis,enjoyingthefeelofheragainsthim.She
laughed.“Doyoudothisintheclubeverynight?”

Hebentherbackoverhisarminaparodyofaballroomdance,andsmiledintoherface.“No,sweetheart.
Thisisjustforyou.”

“Well,good,becauseyou’dprobablygetarrested.”

Herbluegreeneyessparkledwithexcitement,buthersmilewasslowandlazy.Asthemusicchargedon,
helacedhisarmbehindherneckandscoopedherupforakiss.

Shewasbeautifulallover;he’dseenthatwhenshedisplayedherselfforhimthisafternoon.Awoman
madeforsexandloving,butshe’dneverlearnedhowtoopenherselftoit.Hewouldenjoyteachingher
how.

“Nico,”shemurmuredagainsthismouth.“Youhaven’tfinishedstripping.”

Heplacedherfingersonhiswaistband.“Takethemoffme.”

Patriciagrinned.Shekissedhim,slantinghermouthhungrilyoverhis.Then,inonesmoothmovement,she
yankedhisunderweardowntohiscalves.

Sheremainedonherknees,hergazerestingontheenormouscockinfrontofher.“Oh,IthinkIlikethis,”
shebreathed.

Nicowasverygladtohearit.“Whatdoyouwantmetodo,love?I’mallyours.”

“Getoutofthatunderwear.”

Hekickeditoffandstoodinfrontofherinhisskin.Hergazerovedslowlydownhim,awarmingstroke
thatwasalmostasgoodashertouchinghim.Herbreathcamefaster,andhestoodverystillasitswarmth
touchedhiscock.

Hisbodythrummedwithjoywhensheflickedhertongueoverhistip.Itthrummedevenharderwhenshe
openedhermouthandgentlyslippedherlipsovertheflange.

Heclenchedhisfists.Patriciaslidhimintohermouthasfarasshecouldbeforedrawingback.Wet,hot,
lovelymouth,andawomaninterestedingivinghimpleasure.

Patricianippedtheskinbeneathhistip,sharpteethscraping.Helovedit.Thenshewrappedherlips
aroundhimagainandbegantosuck.

Herlashescurledagainsthercheekassheclosedhereyes.Astrandoflightergoldcurledacrossherhair,
attractinghisfingerstobrushitstraight.Hishandstayedonherhair,furrowingit,lettingthesilkencurls
flowthroughhisfingers.

Patriciawasenjoyingherself.Shecuppedhisballs,fondlinghimuntilhepartedhislegstolethergetat
himmorefully.Hermouthworkedwithhersuckling,lipscurvedtightaroundhim.

Shelookedupathimandsmiledaroundhishugecockinhermouth,andhefeltthebuildupsurgeofhis
climax.

Shewithdrew,butbeforehecouldregisterdisappointment,sheleanedlowertolaptheundersideofhis
stemtohisballs.Everyhotstrokeofhertonguebuilthisclimaxhigher,andwhenherfingersjoinedher
mouth,heknewhewasgoingtoexplode.

Hewantedtoseehisseedonherface,wantedhertolaughathimwhileshewaswetwithit.Butthat

wasn’tmeanttobe.Thecoldlinksofthechainathisthroatburned,notallowinghimwhathewanted.

Shelookedupathim,eyesglowingwarm,obliviousofthetortureinsidehim.“Touchyourselfforme,”
shesaid,hervoicebreathy.“Likeyouhadmedoforyou.”

Notasgoodashertouchinghim,butnotbad.Havingherwatchhim...Hemovedwithsuddenpleasure.

“Wingsandall,”shewhispered.

Oh,gods.Makehiminsane.

Helethiswingsliftfromhisshoulders,displacingthetattoo.Hefannedoutthewings,thenbroughtthem
aroundtoclosehimselfandPatriciaintheirwarmth.

Hewrappedhishandaroundhiserection,stiflingagroan.Adarkshudderwentthroughhimashebegan
tostrokehimself,hisgripburning.Hiscockdidn’twanthim,itwantedPatricia,buthehadtodothisher
way.

Patricia’sgreenblueeyesroundedasshewatchedhim,thesinewsonhisarmbunchingandtwistingashe
pulledathimself.Hiswingsslitheredacrosshisthighs,thesensitivetipsdippingbetweenhislegsto
warmhim.

HekepthisgazeonPatriciaashepumpedhimself,hisbodyrockingalittleinrhythm.Themusicblared
onfromthespeakers,aterrificcounterpart.

NicolovedPatricia’seyes,thataquamarinesparklelikethesunonwarmsea.Herlipspartedasher
breathquickenedwithhis.Herpulseflickeredinherthroat,andhewantedtolickitjustthere,tastingher
saltyskin.

Patriciaunconsciouslynoddedherheadalittle,asthoughsilentlyencouraginghim.Comeforme,Nico.

Hewantedherunderhim,hersweat-soakedbodybeggingforit.Ormaybesoincoherentshecouldonly
makesoundsthatweren’twords.Herheadwoulddropback,andshe’dgroanherpleasure,herbreath
sweetonhisface...

Heshoutedashisseedropedoutaroundhisfingers,wetandwarm.Hereyesroundedastheliquid
drippedalloverhishands.

Nicoclosedhiseyesandrockedbackassensationaftersensationchasedthroughhisbody:hot,cold,
longing,satiation,theneedtocrushheragainsthimandkissheruntilhebruisedherlips.

“Here.”

Nicoopenedhiseyes.Hisbodywasscaldinghot,hishandsshaking.Patriciastoodinfrontofhimholding
atowel.

Thatsimple,practicalgesturemadehimwantherlikecrazy.Evencomingdidn’tkeephimfromneeding
toshoveherontothecouchanddelveintoherclothes.Hispeniswasstillhard,anditcravedher.

Shecouldrunwhilehechasedherlikeacathuntinghisprey,andwhenhecaughtherthey’dtumble
togethertothesoftgrass.She’dopenherlegsforhim,andhe’dfindhisjoyinsideher.

Helongedforitwitheverybreath.

Patriciawassmilingathim,eyesglowing.“Youcameforme.”

“DidI?”Hetookthetowelandshakilywipedoffthegobofcome.“IguessIdid.”

“Ilikedit.”Hersmilecontainedbothshynessandtriumph.“IlikethatIcangetyouhotandbothered.”

“Thatwaseasy.I’vebeencravingyou.”

“Haveyou?”Shecockedherhead,givinghimateasingglance.“Youdon’tjustwantmeformy
ostracon?”

Hestrokedonefingerthroughherhair,lovingthefeel.“Youfoundmepassedoutinyourstore,and
insteadofshootingme,youfixedmywing.Ithinkthat’sincrediblysexy.”

Shelaughed.“Foryournextturn-on,I’llgiveyouaBand-Aid.Youwon’tbeabletokeepawayfromme
then.”

Heleanedtoherandranhistonguearoundherlips.“TherearesomanythingsIcanteachyou,Patricia.”

Hersmilewaswicked.“Ilookforwardtolearning.”

“Youbroughtmeoff.HowaboutIreturnthefavor?Withmymouth?Ormyhands?”

Shelookedhimupanddown,faceflushed.“Withyourwings,”shesaid.

PATRICIAwonderedhowshe’dendeduphere,spread-eagledonNico’shugebedwhileNicokneltather
feetandgentlymovedheranklesapart.Shewonderedevenmorethatshe’dagreedtolethimtieherhands
tothebedpostwithsoftsilkscarves.

Hewasbeautiful:allnaked,glossymuscle,hiscockrigidanddark.Thebedfilledwiththefeathery
goodnessofhimashetickledandtouchedandslidstrongfeathersbetweenherlegs.

Hermindflashedtothefeelingofhiminsidehermouth,thejoyofwatchinghimmasturbatehimself.She
thoughtofhowhiswiryhaircurledaroundherfingersasshecuppedhisballs,thoughtofthefirmlength
ofhiscockandwhatithadtastedlike.

Smooth.Hot.Likethebestmeltedchocolate.

Thatthoughtledtoavisionofcoatinghiscockwithmeltedchocolateandlickingitoff.

“Mmm.”Shewriggledonthebed,likingthefeelofthecoversunderherbarebutt,thesmoothsilkaround
herwrists.

Herlegswerespreadwidewithhimbetweenthem,coolairtouchingherpussy.Shebroughtonefootup
tocaresshisback,likingthesmoothwarmthbeneathhersole.

“That’sit,love,”Nicowhispered.“Feelme.”

“Idon’tfeelanythingbutyou.”

“Good.”

Herpussywashotandfull.Shestartedtoreachforhimbutwaspulledupshortbythesilktethersand
madeanoiseoffrustration.

DidNicotakepityonherandloosenherhands?No,hekeptpleasuringherwithhisfeathers,never
touchingherwithhishands.

“I’mgoingtocome,”shecried.“Iwantyourmouthonme.Please.”

“Areyousure?”Nicothetorturerasked.

“Yes.Please.”

Hesmiled,hisfeathersstillrubbingher,tickling,teasing.Justwhenshethoughtitwouldbetoolate,he
leanedstraightdownandfastenedhismouthoverher.Hesuckedonhernub,nibbledandteased,then
delvedhistonguestraightinsideher.

Patriciajerkedatherbonds,feetgoingcrazyonthebed.Shecameandcame,pressingherpussytohis
wonderfulmouth,cryingoutashistonguetantalizedandrubbedandsucked.

Patriciawrithedonelasttime,Nicoholdingherhipsinhisstronghandswhilehelappedher.

“Thankyou,”shegasped,thenshecrasheddownontothebed,thewavesofherclimaxrollingoverher.

Nicolaughedagain,hisvoicesodark.Herose,hishairtangled,hiseyesburningwithastrangelight.He
wasn’thuman—thebedfilledwithfeatherswasevidence—andthefireinhimwasdifferent.Powerful,
heady,dangerous.Itwasliketouchinglightning.

“You’rebeautiful,Patricia,”hemurmured.“Youtastelikeambrosia.”

“Thankyou,”shewhisperedagain.Orthoughtshedid.Oblivionhitherwithinmomentsofherclimax,and
shefellintothehardestafter-sexsleepshe’deverexperienced.

Whenshewokeagain,herhandshadbeenuntiedandasheetpulledoverherbody.Theshowerpattered
quietlyinthebathroom,andabedsidelampcastasmallcircleoflightoverthebed.

Andreaswasleaningagainstthebedpostatthefoot,smilingather.

7

YOUlookhappy,”Andreassaid.

Patriciagaspedandtuggedthesheettoherchin.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Ilivehere.Thisismybed.”Heloungedevenmorenegligently,hislightblueeyestracingtheoutlineof
thesheet.

“Whattimeisit?”sheasked.

“Aboutfour.Club’sjustclosing.”

“Oh,shit.Ineedtogethome.”Patriciastartedtositup,thenclutchedthesheetcloser,rememberingshe
wasnakedbeneath.

“I’msureNicowouldbedelightedifyoustayed,”Andreassaid.

“Whataboutyou?Wouldyoubedelighted?”

“Oh,yes.”Hislookturnedpredatory.“IthinkIwould.”

“Iwasjoking.”

“I’mnot.”

ShestudiedhishardbodyinjeansandaT-shirt,theAndre’slogostarkonhischest.Thepawprintmeant
him,sherealized.Hisleopardness.

“You’llwantyourbed,”shebegan,hopinghe’dtakethehintandleavesoshecouldgetdressed.

“Notnecessarily.There’sanotherbedroomupstairs,incaseweneedit.”

Shelookedathiminsurprise.“DoyouandNicousuallysleepinheretogether?”

“Sure.”Heshruggedmassiveshoulders.“Whynot?It’sabigbed.”

Thethoughtofthetwoofthemcurledup,large,muscularbodiesfillingthebed,madehermouthdry.

“Nothing.It’sjustthat...”

“I’vebeenhangingaroundwithNicoforovertwothousandyears.There’sbeenplentyoftimeswehadto
sleeptogetherforwarmthandprotection.Notthatwehitthesackatthesametimeeverynight.There’s
alwayssomethingtodo.”

“Inscriptionstofind.Dyonstofight.”

“Somethinglikethat.”

Patriciadrewherkneestoherchestandcircledherarmsaroundthem.“Whydoyouthinkthisparticular
inscriptionwillhelpyou?”

Andreas’seyeswentbleak,asthoughheweretryingnottohope.“Becausetherearehieroglyphsonthere
thatmightrefertoNicoandme.I’mwillingtohavethisEgyptologistyoufindtranslateitandfindout.”

“It’sworthashot,youmean.”

Henodded,hiswhiteblackhaircatchinginthelamplight.“Itmaybenothing.We’vehadfalsehopes
before.”

Shehuggedherselfalittletighter.“I’msorrythishappenedtoyou.”

“Partofitwasourowndamnfault.Welikedtoenjoyourselvestoomuch.Likenow.”

“YouthinkNicoisenjoyinghimselftoomuchwithme?”

“No.IthinkIam.”

Shestilled.“Andwhatdoyoumeanbythat?”

“I’menjoyingthinkingaboutsnatchingthatsheetfromyouandlookingatyourlovelybody.”

Herhandsautomaticallyclenchedthesheet.“Thatwouldn’tbefairtoNico.”

“Isaidlook.Nottouch.”

Patricia’sentirebodyheated.Andreaswasalreadygazingatherasthoughhecouldseerightthroughthe
sheet,andshedidn’tknowwhythatexcitedhersomuch.ShelikedNicoandwantedtobewithhim,not
Andreas.ShelikedNico’slaugh,hissmolderingeyes,histouch,hiscaring.

ButshesuddenlywantedAndreastolookather.

Slowlysheskimmedthesheetfromhertorso,thenleanedbackonherelbowsandpushedthecoversall
thewayoff.Shestretchedoutherlegsandlaythere,starknaked,forAndreastosee.

Hisblueeyesflashed,quickvolatilitythatwasinstantlymaskedashisgazerovedherfromheadtofoot.
Helingeredatherbreasts,andshefeltthenipplesriseforhim,thenhisgazedippedtothedampeningtuft
betweenherthighs.

Patriciapartedherlegsandlethimlook,goingsofarastolickthetipofherfingersandtouchthemtoher
clit.

Hiserectionwasevidentinhispants,buthesimplyleanedonthebedpost,foldedhisarms,andstudied
her.

“Verynice,”heconcluded.Hepushedhimselfawayfromthebedandranhistongueoverhislips.“Keep
thebed,”hesaidsoftly.“I’llsleepupstairs.”

Givingherafinal,lingeringlook,heturnedandlefttheroom.

Patricialetoutherbreathandscrubbedherhandoverherface.Thathadbeen—incrediblyerotic.She’d
comeclosetoorgasmfeelinghisadmirationoneveryinchofher.She’dneverletamanlookatherlike
thatbefore,andnowshe’dplayedwithonemanandspreadherselfinfrontofhisbestfriendnotanhour

later.

Thensherealizedthattheshowerhadstopped—hadstoppedsometimeago.

Shelookedupinalarm.Nicoleanedagainstthebathroomdoorframe,atowelaroundhiswaistandwater
dropletsalloverhisshoulders.

“Nico,”shewhispered.

HurtingNicowasthelastthingshewanted.Shedidn’tunderstandwhyshe’dwantedAndreastolookat
herbody;sheunderstoodnoneofthis.

“I’msorry,”shesaid,remorsebitingher.“Icouldn’tseemtostopmyself.”

“Iknow.”Nicoflickedoffthelightinthebathroomandcamethroughthedarkenedroomtoher.Hesat
downonthebedandslidonehandacrossherbarehip.Histowel-wrappedbodywasincredible,andher
ownbodythrobbedforhimagain.

“Thisishowithappens,”hesaid.“Youwantmefirst,thenyou’lldrawAndreasinuntilhebecomesfixed
onyou.You’llhaveusbothuntilwe’resotangledwecan’tgetfreewithoutpain.Andthenit’sover.You
moveon,andweeatourheartsout.”

Shelistenedindismay.“Thatisnotwhat’sgoingtohappen.”

“It’sthewayofthings.”

“Iamgoingtofindawaytosetyoufree,Nico.Sothatifwewanteachother,there’snothingintheway,
andweknowit’sreal.”

“Maybe.”

Patriciastartedtoscrambleup.“Itwillbereal;Iswearit.Now,Ihavetogo.Ihavecatstofeed,astore
toopeninafewhours—”

Hishandonherhiptightened.“Stay.”Hiseyeswentdark.“Sleepwithmetonight.Iknowagreatplace
forbreakfast,bestbagelsinManhattan.”

Theincongruityofademigod,sonofDionysusandanymph,onthelookoutforareallygoodbagelmade
herlaugh.

“Allright,”sheconceded.“I’llstay.Mycatswillneverletmeheartheendofit,though.”

“I’llsendAndreastolookafterthem.Helikescats.”

Shestartedtosmileagain,thenNicopulledoffhistowel,andshegotlostinadmirationofhisbody.“I
hopeyoumeanhelikestopetandfeedthem.”

“Ido.”Nicoslidunderthecoverswithherandshutoffthebedsidelight.“He’sapussycatatheart,Itold
you.”

“Sure,”Patriciasaidnumbly.“Ibelieveyou.”

ButshehadtoadmitsnugglingdowninthewarmbedwithNico,kissinghimgoodnight,andspooning
backagainsthim,wasworththepriceofacoupleofpissed-offcats.

NICO’Sgreatplaceforbreakfastturnedouttobeoutstanding.Itwasoneofthoseincongruousstorefronts
thatdidn’teventrytocompetewiththetrendyrestaurantsofthedayandserveditscustomersinasmall
spaceofhome-bakedgoodness.

NicoateafullbreakfastwhilePatricianibbledabagel,bothascomfortablewitheachotherasthough
they’dbeentogetherforyears.PatriciastillwasnotsurewhatshefeltaboutherencounterwithAndreas
oraboutNico’sproclamationthatshe’densnarethembothandleavethemhighanddry.

Patriciaknewshehadfaults,butbeingasirenwasn’toneofthem.Breakingupwithsomeonebecause
they’dgrownapartorcouldn’tgetalongwasonething;usinganddiscardingsomeonewassomething
else.

She’dalsonotbeensurehowgoodacatminderAndreaswouldbe,despiteNico’sassurances.Butwhen
she’dpoppedinonthewaytobreakfastwithNico,shefoundthewaterbowlstoppedoffandRedKitty
curledtightlyaroundhisfavoritetoy.Isissatguardasusual,sphinxlikeonthebottomstair.

“Helikescats,”Nicorepeatedafterthey’dleftPatricia’sapartmentagain.“Catslikehim.”

“YoudoknowthatI’venevermetanyoneasbizarreasthetwoofyou,right?”sheaskedastheysatacross
theboothfromeachother.“EvenwhenIdatedanotherpsychic.”

Nicosippedhiscoffee.“GladtoknowI’munique.”

“That’sonewordforit.”

“AndItreasureyou,”hesaid,givingheroneofhissmilesthatmadeherbloodheat.“I’venotmeta
womanineonsIcanshowmytruenatureto.Itisnoteasyforus,remaininghidden.Wewerethrusthere
againstourwill,yetwecan’topenlybewhatweare.Mostmortalsdon’twanttobelieveinthe
supernatural,notreally.Notaliveandwalkingamongthem.”

“I’veneverhadthechoice.”

“Howlonghaveyoubeenpsychic?”Heleanedtowardher,hisattentionintoxicating.WhenNicolooked
ather,hetrulylookedather,anditwasobvioushismindwasonnothingelse.She’dneverhadthatkind
ofattentionfromaman,anditwasheady.

“IwasabouteightwhenIfoundout,”shesaid.“I’dalwaysfeltpresenceslingeringonthingsandin
placesbutneverthoughtmuchaboutit.Onedaywhenmygrandmotherwasvisiting,sheexplaineditwas
atalentnotmanypeoplehad,andthatIshouldn’ttalkaboutittoomuch.Butitwasagift,andIshoulduse
itwisely.”

“Yourgrandmotherwaspsychic,too?”

“Ididn’tknowituntilthatday.WhenItalkedabouthervisitlaterthatday,everyonelookedatmeoddly.
She’ddiedthenightbefore.”

Nico’sbrowsrose.“Interesting.”

“Forsomereasonitdidn’tscareme.She’dneededtotalktome,topassonherknowledgebeforeitwas
toolate.Ineversawherafterthat.It’snotlikeIcanconjureghostsorcarryonconversationswithdead
peoplewheneverIwant.I’mjustgoodatreadingaurasandfiguringoutwhathappenedinroomswhere
therewerestrongemotionsorreadingthevibrationsonapieceoffurniture.Comesinhandyinthe
antiquesbusiness.”

“Whichyoulove.”Hesmiled,andherheartsqueezedagain.“Iseeitinyoureyes.”

“Idoenjoythework,”shesaid,tryingtosoundoffhand.“Iliketheexcitementofagoodauction;Ilike
trackingdownobscurepiecesforclients,liketheostraconforMrs.Penworth.”

“Whydidshewantit?”

“She’dheardaboutonethatbelongedtoCleopatra.Shecouldn’tgetthatonebutwantedonelikeit.SoI
searchedthemarket.”

Nicotracedtheedgeofhismug.“IfAndreasandIhadcometoyouinthefirstplace,youmighthavebeen
abletofinditforus.”

“OrtheDyonmighthavepreventedmefromfindingoutabouttheostraconatall.Youmighthavegone
straighttothedealer,andI’dneverhavemetyou.”

Nicocaughthergazeinonethatwashalfamusedandhalfanguished.“AndIwouldn’tbeinthisdeep.”

Shelaidherhandontopofhiswarm,strongone.“Idon’tknowwhatkindofwomencaughtyouinthe
past,butIdon’tgothroughmenlikeahotknifethroughbutterorleaveatrailofbrokenheartsbehindme.
Ithinkwomenwhodothathaveintimacyissues.Ornotenoughtodo.”

“Ortheyrefusetobehurt,”hesuggested.

“Youmeanit’seasiertoendarelationshipbeforeyoustartcaringtoomuch?Isuppose.”Shesighed.“But
Idon’tthinkit’shealthytogothroughlifenevergettingclosetosomeone,nomatterhowmuchitmight
hurtlater.”

Hewaslaughingather,hisdarkeyesdancing.

“What?”sheasked.

“Inoticethatmostofyouhumanscan’tsaythewordlove.It’srelationshipsandintimacyissues.”He
pushedhiscoffeeasideandleanedforward.“Everyoneisafraidoflove—deep,gut-wrenching,
heartbreakingcaringforsomeoneelsemorethanforyourself.Love,pureandsimple.Noanalyzingthe
helloutofit,nosittingwithathirdpersondiscussingissues.”Heputhisfistonhischest.“It’sraw,
simpleemotion,andwithoutit,theworldwouldhavebeenadeadplacealongtimeago.”

“Oh.”Patricialikedhowhiseyeshadgonedarkandintense.“I’veneverhearditputquitelikethat.”

Nicoliftedhiscoffee,breakingthespell.“Callmeold-fashioned.”

Patriciacalledhimsexyashell.Inherthirty-twoyearsoflife,she’dhadmalefriendsaswellasfemale,
andshe’dseenthathermenfriendscouldloveasdeeplyasherwomenfriends.

Butshe’dneverheardamandeclarethatlovewasasimportantasNicojusthad.Thefactthathecould
stillthinksuchathing,afterbeingsolongbuffetedbythewhimsofagoddess,warmedher.

Hedidn’tbelieveshe’dbedifferentfromwhateverwomenhe’dhadbefore,didn’tbelieveshecouldbe.
Butsheintendedtoshowhim.WhatshefeltforNicoalreadywentbeyondsexualinterest—althoughthat
interestwasprettystrong.

Sheintendedtoprovetohimthatshewouldn’tbefickle,spellornospell.She’ddoanythingtowipe
awaythesadnessshesawdeepinhiseyes.

THEYwalkedbacktoPatricia’sapartmentsoshecouldcalltheEgyptologyprofessorshe’dlocatedat
Cornell.NicoslidhishandinhersastheystrolledalongthebusyManhattanstreet,andsheenjoyedhis
strengthandthefeelingofprotectionhewrappedaroundher.

Oncethecallwasmadeandthemeetingarranged,Patriciapackedafewclothes,putthecatsintheir
carrier,andleftwithNicofortheclub.TheyfoundAndreasup,inaT-shirtandjeansanddrinkingcoffee,
hiswhiteblackhairmussed.HeinsistedhecomewiththemtoIthaca,tohersurpriseandconsternation,
andnotlonglater,thethreeofthempluscatswereinarentalcarheadingnorthoutoftown.

TheonlyEgyptologyspecialistPatriciahadfoundwithboththeexpertiseandthetimetotalktothemwas
RebeccaTrimble,apostdocatCornell.Theuniversity’swebsitesaidthatRebeccahadtakenherdoctoral
degreeattheUniversityofChicago,hadplentyofexperienceatexcavations,andhadwonseveralprizes
forherhieroglyphsandhieraticexpertise,includingthefellowshipshecurrentlyheld.She’dagreedtosee
Patricialatethatafternoon.

Patriciahadplannedtodriveup,talktoDr.Trimble,spendthenight,lookthroughpromisingantique
shops,andcruiseonhomethenextday.Herstorecouldstandtobeclosedthatlong;herwalk-inbusiness
wasnowherenearwhatherbehind-the-scenesbusinesswas.She’dnotbeensurprisedwhenNicowanted
toaccompanyher,butshewasn’tsurewhatAndreas’smotivewas.

Andreasstretchedhimselfoutinthebackseatnexttothecatcarrier,tuckedearbudsintohisears,and
closedhiseyes.Thecatssquishedthemselvestothefrontofthecarriertobeclosetohimandfellasleep.

Sheleftcitygridlockforpackedfreeways,whichthinnedoutalittleasshedrovenorth.Theearlyfallair
wascrisp,andPatriciadrewaheadybreathofit.She’dgrownupinthemiddleofMichigan,where
wintersweredark,butspring,summer,andfallwerefreshandalive.Shelovedlivingandworkingin
Manhattan,butthecountrysidealwaysheldaspecialplaceinherheart.

Nicowatchedthesceneryorwatchedher.Shecouldfeelhisdarkgazeonher,whichremindedherofthe
warmthofsleepingcurledupbesidehiminbed.Everytimehelookedatherwaslikeaheatedtouch.

SheglancedintothebacktoseeAndreas,eyesclosed,mouthrelaxedinsleep.Ifshewasdaring,she’d
pullovertothesideoftheroad,skimdownherpants,thenstartupagain,invitingNicotoleandownand
lickherasshedrove.

Theideamadeherpussythrob,butsheknewshewasn’tanywherenearthatdaring.Anoiseoffrustration
escapedherthroat.

Nicolookedoverandslantedherhissexysmile.“Areyouwet,Patricia?”heaskedinalowvoice.

Patriciagrippedthesteeringwheel.Hernipplesmustbesharpoutlinesagainstherblouse,butshewas
toobusydrivingtocheck.“Irememberwhathappenedlasttimeyouaskedmethat.”

“Good.”Hisvoicewentdarkerashesnakedhishandtoherthigh.“Iwantyoutobedrippingwetforme,
yourpantiessoakedwithyourcome.”

Sheswallowedandglancedquicklyintothebackseat,butAndreaslayunmoving,tinnysoundemanating
fromhisearbuds.

“IthinkI’mprettymuchthere,”shesaid.

Nicocurledhisfingersonherthigh,nowherenearthejoinofherlegs,butherpussysqueezed,and
squeezedagain.“Stopit,”shehalflaughed.“Ineedtodrive.”

“Idon’twanttotouchyou,Patricia.Ijustwanttoknowthatyou’rewetforme,thatifIunzippedyour
pantsanddippedmyfingersinside,I’dfindyouwetallover.Thatmyfingerswouldslideoveryourclit,
thatitwouldswellforme,andyou’ddriponmeevenmore.”

Patriciasquirmedinherseat.“Oh,God.”

“Yourpatiencewillberewarded,love.Ipromiseyou.”

“IfyoumakemecomewhileI’mdriving,itmaybethelastthingIeverdo.”

“Don’tworry.Iwon’ttouchyou.Notyet.”

“Youmakemewanttotouchyou.”

Nicosqueezedherthighagain,hungerinhiseyes.“Why?Whatdoyouwanttodotome?Tellme.”

“Iwanttoopenyourpants,”shesaidrapidly.“Iwanttofindyourcockhardandhuge.Iwantthetipto
winkatme.”

“Thatcouldhappen.”

“Iwanttostrokeyouallthewaydowntoyourballs.Iwanttofitmyhandunderyourbuttandplaywith
yourballswherethey’rewarmfromhanginginsideyourpants.Iwanttofeelthehairthererubbingmy
hand,andfeelyourballsallhard.Iwantyoutoliftyourcocktowardme,withyoudyingformetoputyou
inmymouth.”

Nico’sgazewasintense,hiseyesblack-dark.Sheresolutelywatchedthetraffic.

“Whatelse?”heprompted.

“Iwanttotickleyourcockwithmyfingers,thenbendoverandlickiteverywhereI’vetouchedit.Iwant
tosuckthetipinmymouthandwigglemytongueoverit.”

“Thatsoundsnice.”

“Iwanttosuckyouuntilyoucan’tstandit,untilyou’redyingtocomeinmymouth.AndthenIwantto
slidemyownpantsoff,straddleyourlap,andslipyourcockintomypussy,whichisso,sowetforyou.”

Herubbedhishandoncealongherleg.“I’dlikethat.”

“Andthenyou’dfuckme.You’dthrustyourhugecockinsidemeuntilIscreamed,becauseit’ssobig.
You’dfuckmehard,andI’dkeepcomingwhileyouscrewedme.”

“I’dlikethatverymuch.”Hedidn’tmove,buthisgazewassofixedonhershecouldfeelit.

“Thenyou’dcome.You’dcomesohighinsidemeitwouldburnmeup,andIwouldn’tcare.AndthenI’d
...”

Shepressedherbrakeshard,screechingthecartoahaltbeforesheclimbedtheredtaillightsoftheone
aheadofher.“Damnit.”

Nicoburstoutlaughing.Hecouldn’tpossiblyrealizehowsexyhewaswhenhelaughed,hisbrownthroat
exposed,hishairfallinglikeblacksilk.“Maybeyou’dbetterstickwithdriving,”hesaid.

“Maybeso.”Shedidaquicknipplecheck,butnope,theyweren’trelaxingatall.

Asshestartedmovingagain,sheheardanoiseinthebackseat.Andreasroselikeagodfromtheseaand
leanedforwardbetweenthem,sinewyarmsrestingoneitherseat.Hesaid,“Whenyou’redonedoingall
thattohim,wouldyouconsiderdoingittome?”

Patriciagaspedandalmosthadtoslamonthebrakesagain.“Shit.Ithoughtyouwereasleep.”

Andreasregardedherintherearviewmirrorwithlazyblueeyes.“Youweremistaken.”

Nicocontinuedtolaugh,notdisturbedintheslightest.

“Yousee?”hesaidtoPatricia,weavinghisfingerstogether.“Tangled.”

8

NICOspenttherestofthetripuncomfortablyhardfromPatricia’sfantasyuntilhewasafraidthezipperof
hisjeanswouldflyapart.Heknewdamnwellthatifheopenedherpantsashe’ddescribed,he’dfindher
slickandwetandwantinghim.

Whenevertheyreachedwheretheyweregoing,he’drewardherbyspreadingherandlickingawaythat
sweethoneyuntilsheshudderedwithrelease.Sheneededtorelease,andNicocoulddothatforher.

HeknewPatriciahadaplaceinsideherwheredesirewaitedtobecaressedtowakefulness.Shewasshy
aboutit,butasshe’dshownhim,herburieddesiresweredyingtobreakfree.

He’dteachherthattherewasnothingwrongwithreleasingherinhibitions.Beforethiswasover,he
wouldteachhereverything,andevenifshecouldn’trespondtohimemotionally,hewouldhavethe
satisfactionofknowinghe’dhelpedunlockpartsofherselfthatshekepthiddendeepdown.Itwasreally
allhecouldhavefromthis.

Patriciahadbookedthemintoabed-and-breakfastonahilloverlookingthetown,theinnsurroundedby
treesloadedwithSeptemberyellow,orange,andcrimsonfoliage.Theairwascoolbutnotyetbiting.
Beautiful.

Patriciaaskedfortworooms,oneforherselfandoneforAndreasandNico.Theinnkeeper,Mrs.Blake,
wasabrightwomanwithshortwhitehair,andshowedthemaroundwithenthusiasm.Thehousewas
nineteenth-century,andPatricialookedaroundasthoughshewerefeelingtheaurasofthemanypeople
who’dpassedthrough.

“I’vegivenyouboystheHelenMonroeroom,”Mrs.Blakesaid.“Shewastheoriginalownerofthe
house.Don’tworryifyouhearsomethingscufflingaboutinthenight.Thewholeplaceishaunted.”

NicocaughtPatricia’stwitchoflipsassheturnedaway.Hewonderedifitwasbecausesheknewfor
certainwhetherornotthehousewashauntedorbecauseoftheirdiminutivehostcallinghimandAndreas
“boys.”

Patriciasettledintoherroomwithhercats,whichshe’dbroughtbecausetheinnwaspet-friendly.Isisand
RedKittyweren’tusedtostayingontheirownatnight,she’dsaid.

Theresidentcat,Peachy,waslarge,gray,andorange-eyed,andsupervisedallproceedingswithabored
air.Shedid,however,condescendtostalktoAndreasandrubherfaceagainsthisleg.IsisandRedKitty
hoveredaroundhim,too,whiletheypreparedtodrivedowntoCornellandinterviewDr.Trimble.

TheymetDr.Trimbleinatinyofficeinaredbrickbuildinginthemiddleofcampus.RebeccaTrimble
wasyoungerthanPatricia,maybeinhermidtwenties,andworeheryellowbrownhairscraped
unattractivelybackfromherface.Herclotheswereshapelessandbaggy,andsheworenomakeup.

Nicowonderedifshedeliberatelytriedtomakeherselfunattractive,andwhyshewould.Shecouldn’t
hidethefactthatherfacewasdelicatelybonedorhereyesweresoftandbrown,butthefrownshegave
themwassterntothepointofrudeness.

“Idon’thavemuchtime,”shesaid.“Whatisityouwantedmetolookat?”

Patriciasetthefolderofphotosonthewoman’sdeskandopenedit.Dr.Trimbleleanedoverthedesk,her
sloppyblousepartingattheneck,andherannoyedlookvanished.“Wheredidyougetthese?”

Patriciadescribedtheostracon,andRebeccalistened,herfaceanimated,whichbetrayedherprettiness.
Andreas’siceblueeyeswatchedthewoman’severymovewithhispredator-sizing-up-preylook.

“IagreethattheostraconisPtolemaic,”RebeccasaidwhenPatriciafinished.“Butthetextonitisfar
older.IseereferencestogodsherethatwereprettymuchforgottenbythetimetheGreekstookover.It
wasprobablycopiedfromanoldersource,andI’mbettingthecopierdidn’tevenknowwhatitmeant.”

“Howcanyoutell?”Patricialeanedforward,justasinterested,herblondringletscatchingthesunlight
fromtheroom’sonewindow.

“Theinscribergotthenamesjustalittlebitwrong.Acommonmistakebycopiersofthelaterperiods.
SomeofthegodsgotchangedintoGreek-Egyptianhybrids,butthesenameswouldbefamiliartothe
pharaohsoftheEighteenthDynastyandearlier.”

“Canyoureadit?”Nicoaskedher.

“Ithinkso.Itwilltakemealittlewhiletostudyitanddothebesttranslationpossible—”

“Howlong?”Andreasaskedabruptly.

Rebeccaglancedathim,thenimmediatelyaway,hercheeksstainingred.

“I’mnotsure,”shesaid.“Ihavealotofcommitments,butI’dbehappytoworkonitwheneverIhavea
sparemoment.Perhapsbytheendofthissemester?”

Andreasrose,histallframefillingtheoffice.“Dropalltheothercommitmentsanddothisforus.Wewill
payyouwhateveramountofmoneyyourequire.”

Rebeccastaredupathim,herpalemouthopen.“It’snotthateasy.I’mhereonafellowship,andIhave
obligations.”

“Whichyoucanfulfillafteryoutranslatethis.”Andreastappedthepileofphotos.“Howlongwillittake
ifyouspendallyourtimeonit?”

“Idon’tknow.DependsonhowmuchIhavetolookup.Aweek,maybemore.”

“Good.Startnow.”Andreasshovedhimselfawayfromthedeskandoutofthesmallroom,angerrolling
fromhiminwaves.

Rebeccastaredafterhim,openmouthed.“Ishealwayslikethat?”sheaskedPatricia.

Nicoflashedherasmile.“Mydear,youhavenoidea.”

Rebeccaswallowedandlookedquicklyatthephotosagain.“Iprobablycantakeafewdaysandseewhat
Icancomeupwith.”

“Excellent,”Nicosaid,crossinghislonglegs.“We’llwait.”

Patriciastoodup.“No,we’llleavehertoit.”SheflashedRebeccaanapologeticlook.“Don’tletthese
twobullyyou.Youdowhatyouneedtodoandtakethetimeyouneed.”ShesentNicoaglare.“I’msure
therestofuscanfindsomethingtodowhilewewait.”

NICOinsistedRebeccastayattheinnwiththem,whichPatriciatooktobeworryabouttheDyonsfinding
Rebeccanowthatthey’dshowedhertheinscription.Patriciacalledtheirhostessandlearnedshedid
haveanextraroomavailable,thenPatriciaandNicowentwithRebeccatoherapartmentsoshecould
pickupwhatsheneededforafewdays’stay.

Andreashaddisappearedcompletely,buttheyfoundhimwaitingattheinn,thecatsalloverhim.

ThefourofthemhadaquietdinnerattheBandB,PatriciaandRebeccafindingcommongroundtalking
aboutartifactsandtheantiquitiesmarkets,legalandillegal.NicoandAndreasdidn’teatmuchand
remainedquiet,Andreasparticularlytense.

PatriciawasalittlesurprisedthatNicodidn’ttrytofollowherwhensheretreatedforthenight.He
brushedalightkisstoherforeheadbeforePatricialeftthesittingroom,butotherthangivinghera
seductivesmile,hemadenoindicationhewantedtofollow.

Shewasn’tcertainifshewasdisappointedorrelievedasshecrawledintobedbyherself.Thefour-
posterwascomfortableandwarm,mademoresobyIsisandRedKittycurleduponeithersideofher.

Shefeltthecatsleaveasshebegantodrifttosleep,probablyofftofindAndreas,theirnewbestfriend.
Shewonderedsleepilywhythecatsweresoattractedtohim.Hedidhisbesttoberudeandgruffwith
humansandthenletthecatsclimballoverhim.Maybecatshadasecretsnow-leopardfixation.

“Patricia.”

Patriciajerkedawake.Shetriedtorollover,butNico’swarmbodynestledprotectivelyalongsideher,
penningherin.Hisfacewasdarkwithunshavedwhiskers,hishairdisheveledfromsleep.

“Whatareyoudoinginhere?”shewhispered.

Theroomwasdark,asliverofmoonlightleakingthroughthegauzycurtains.Thehousewassilent,
outsideequallyso.

“Ilikewatchingyousleep.”

Heskimmedhishandsdownherbodyandinchedupthehemofhernightshirt.Shehadn’tbotheredto
wearpantiestobed.Anticipation?

Hishandswerebigandwarmonherback.Heslidhisfingerstothecleftofherbuttocks,makinglittle
circlestherethatdrovehercrazy.

“Where’sAndreas?”sheasked.

“Hmm?Patrolling.”Hepausedamoment.“Doyouwantmetofetchhim?”

Hiseyeswereunreadableinthedark,hisfingersgentle.

“No,Iwantyou.”Shetouchedhislips.“WhydoIwantyousomuch,Nico?Ineverthinkaboutsexlike

this.Notthisconstantwanting.”

“Spellsarelikethat.”

“Ithastobemorethanthat.”Shestopped,frustrated.“Yousayyou’redrawntomebythecurse;youhave
topleasuremeuntilI’vehadenough.ButIdon’twantthat.Idon’twantyoucomingtomejustbecause
you’recompelledto.”

Hekeptonstrokingherback,fingerssoothing.“Itismorethanjustthecurse,”hesaidsoftly.

“Howdoyouknowthat?”

“Idon’t.”Hiseyeswentdarkerstill.“Iwantittobemore.Itgoesbothways,Patricia.”

“Andifwebreakthespell,whathappensthen?”

Hestrokedherhair,hishandwarm.Shefelthiswantingclearlythroughthefoldofnightshirtthathadslid
betweenthem,hiscockhardandheavy.

“Idon’tknow,”hesaid.“Idon’tevenknowifit’spossibletobreakit.AllIwantistobewithyouright
now,incaseIcan’teverbewithyouagain.”

Patriciawentsilent,watchingtheflickofhislashesashelookedather,themoonlightmakingshadowsof
hiseyes.

“I’veneverbelievedincasualsex,”shesaid.

“No?Butithappensallthetime.”

“Nottome.IfI’mnotemotionallyengaged,Ican’tdoit.Idon’twantit.”

“Patricia.”Hetouchedhercheek.“Doyouwantme?”

“I’mdyingforyou.”

“Thenlet’senjoyeachother.We’llworryabouthowwefeeltomorrowwhentomorrowcomes.”

Hestoppedhernextwordswithakiss,lipsslidingoverhersanddrivingoutofherheadwhatshe’d
intendedtosay.Heslidhandsdowntopulluphernightshirtagain,skimmingitallthewayupuntilhe
cuppedherbreasts.

“Letmegiveyoujoy,”hewhispered.

Shenodded,seekinghismouthagain.Histongueandlipsweremasterful,andshethoughtshecouldkiss
thismanforever.

Hehadotherideas.Hepulledherupuntilhecouldsuckhernippleintohismouth,andthenhesuckled,
histeethandtonguedoingawonderfuldance.Hottingleswovethroughher,andshecradledhisheadin
herhand.

“Harder,”shebegged.

Heobeyed.Heopenedhismouthwide,drawingasmuchofherbreastintohismouthashecould,then
withdrew,clingingtothetipwithhisteethuntilthelastminute.Hediditoverandover,lavishing
attentiononeachbreast,lickingandsuckinglikehecouldn’tgetenough.

Shepushedhimontothebedandburrowedherfaceagainsthischest,likingthewayhegroanedwhenher
mouthfoundhisflat,malenipple.

She’dalwaysheardthatmenlikedbeingplayedwithalmostasmuchaswomen,butthiswasthefirsttime
she’dhadthechancetotestoutthetheory.Shemovedinbetweentheareolasandsuckedhisskinsharply
intohermouth,wantingtoleavealovebite.

Hegroanedandlaughed.“Youlikeme.”

“Ilikeeverybitofyou.”

“Especiallythewings?”heteased.

“I’dlikeyouwithorwithoutwings.Although,withwingsisbetter.Canyouflywiththem?”

Hechuckled,hischestrumblingbeneathhers.“Yes.Theywork.”Hemovedhismouthclosetohers.“I’ll
takeyouflyingoneday,sweetheart.Ipromise.”

“Canyouflyandfuckmeatthesametime?”

Hislaughtercutoff,hiseyesgoingdarkerthanever.“Idon’tknow,butitwouldbefunfindingout.Not
tonight,though—toodangerouswithDyonslookingforus.PlusI’dhateforsomestrayhuntertotakeme
foranoverlargegoose.”Hepulledhercloser.“Butoneday...”

Nicoskimmedhistongueacrossherlips,thentookherhandandcloseditaroundhishard,hotcock.

ANDREAS,aleopardoncemore,couldsmellthesexgoingoninthebedroomnexttohim.Patriciawas
hotforNico,andherrampagingpheromonesmadehisfurtingle.

PatriciawouldwantAndreassoon.He’dglimpsedtheinklingofitinhereyes,theunearthingoffantasies
thatshe’dkeptlongburied.Herlongingshadflaredwhenshe’dbaredherbodyforhiminhisandNico’s
bedroom,butshe’dsnappedthelidoverthemagain.

Itwouldn’tbelongnow.BothheandNicowerestrippingawayherinhibitions,andsoonshe’dbeready
forwhatshe’dneverdaredbefore.

Andreashadopenedthewindowbeforehe’dchanged,andhisbigcatformeasilyslidouttothehuge
mapletreethatspreadacrossthesideofthehouse.Thebranchessaggedunderhisweight,buthequickly
leaptfromlimbtolimbtotheground.

Tohisannoyance,heheardPatricia’stwocatsspringingafterhim.Notreallythethreesomehe’dhadin
mind.

HeworriedalittleaboutNico.Nicoalwaystriedtoremainstoicaboutthewomenheserviced,butthis
time,hewasn’t.Patriciawascute,nodenyingit,andthewomanhadacertainsomething.Butifthey
couldn’tunravelthespell,andPatriciadumpedNico—andshewould—Nicowasgoingtogetkickedin

theballs.NothingAndreascoulddoaboutit,buthedidn’twanttoseehisfriendinpain.

Andreaspaddedaroundtotheground-floorroomRebeccahadbeengiven.Shewasthemostvulnerable
ofthem,butshe’drefusedtoswitchroomswithPatricia.

Rebecca’sroomwasthesmallestintheinn,itsonlyamenitybeingalittleprivateporchoverhungwith
vines.Rebeccahadarguedthatshewantedtostayuplateandlookattheinscription,andtuckedinthe
backofthehouseshe’dkeepnooneelseawake.

Andreashadvolunteeredtowatchoutforherratherthanhavetoexplainexactlywhytheywantedher
moresecure.Heapproachedtheporchslowly,admonishingthecatstokeepsilent.Theyslunkabouthis
anklesbutobeyed.

Rebeccawasstillup.Shesatatatinydeskatrightanglestotheporchdoor,thephotosspreadacrossthe
desktop.She’dloosenedherclothes,blousehalfunbuttonedasthoughsheweretryingtobecomfortable.
Herhairwasstillpulledback,buthoneyblondwispshadescapedtostraggledownherneck.

Rebeccawouldneverbebeautifulinthewaythathumansinthiscountryinthistimeregardedbeauty,but
shehadasolidearthinessthatappealedtoAndreas.Thetiltofherhead,theanimationinhereyesasthey
flickedoverthephotosattractedhim.Adangerousthing,thisattraction.

Dangerous,too,wasthewayshesatinfulllightwithoutclosingthecurtains.Shelikelythoughtnothingof
it;theinnwasfarofftheroadwithnootherhousesaroundit.ButDyonswerecreaturesofdarkness,at
theirmostpowerfulduringthenight.

Andreasclimbedtotheporchandlaydownjustoutsidethedoor,thecatsdrapingthemselvesaroundhim.

IfRebeccaheardthesoftthumpontheporchfloor,shemadenosign.Nordidshehearthemoanthatcame
fromthewindowabove,wherePatriciaandNicowerestartingin.IttookallAndreas’swillpowernotto
climbontotheporchroof,puthispawsontheirwindowsill,andwatchthem.

PATRICIA’Sfacewasinshadow,butmoonlightoutlinedherbreasts,whichpushedupagainstthe
nightshirt,hernipplestightpointsstretchingthelightfabric.

Nicostraddledheronhishandsandknees,excitedandhard.Hehelpedhertugthenightshirtupandover
herheadandtossittothefloor.

Shewassobeautifulbare.Herecalledwhatshe’dlookedlikeinherapartmentwhenhe’dtoldherto
strip.Herbodywasslimandtaut,breastslargeenoughforhimtocatchinhishandsandenjoythewarm
weightofthem.

Thighsstrong,bellytight.Thetuftofhairbetweenherlegsglistenedwithmoisture.Shegavehimalazy
smile,herringletsofgoldenhairhaloingaroundherface.Didsheknowshewasdrivinghiminsane?
Breakinghisheart?

Probablynot.Shewascaughtupinwanting,andfornow,thatwasfine.

Hecaughtherunderherkneesandliftedherlegs,openingherforhim.Theslitofherpussyshimmeredin

themoonlight,thegoldenhairsurroundingitglisteningwithherdew.Hispeniswantedtoslaminsidethat
intriguingdarkopening,topounduntilhecame.

Thatwasn’twhathewasheretodo.Hehadtopleasureher,nevermindhisownneeds.

Patriciasmiledandreachedforhim,andhisbodywarmed.Shestilldidn’treallybelieveinthecurse,
thoughshewouldintime.Shedidn’tunderstandwhatitwastohaveanall-powerfulcreatureather
mercy,asHerawantedhimtobe.PatriciajustwantedNico.

Heknewwhatelsesheliked.Heclosedhiseyesinpleasureashelethiswingsbreakfree,andshe
laughedasshecaughtfeathersinherhands.

“Yes,”shewhispered,clutchingtheblackfeatherstight,thenshecriedoutasheleaneddownandbegan
topleasureherwithhistongue.

REBECCAwokewithastart.Shehadfallenasleepatthedesk,herheadrestingonherbentarm,the
pencilstillinherfingers.Shesatup,rubbingthestiffnessinherneck.

Asnowleopardsatatherfeet,watchingherwithunblinkingblueeyes.

Rebeccawentverystill.Thecreature’sfacewaswhitewithpatternsofsmallblackdots,whilehislegs
andbackborethelarge,circularspotscommontoleopards.Thefuronhischestwasnearlypurewhite,
andhiseyeswerelikechipsofblueice.

ThetwocatsPatriciahadbroughtwithherwovearoundhisfeet,andtheinn’scatsatonherhaunchesjust
behindhim.Allthreecatswerepurring,buttheleopardremainedsilent.

Interestingdream.“Hello,you,”shesaid.“You’repretty.”

Theleopard’seyesnarrowed.Maybeamaleleoparddidn’tliketobecalled“pretty.”

“Handsome,then,”sheamended.“CanIpetyou?”

Theleopardloweredhisheadtowardherhand.Shelaiditonhisfur,marvelingathowsleekitwas.He
turnedhisheadintoherpalm,andsherubbedbehindhisears,enjoyinghowhiseyesclosedinpleasure.

Heputhispawinherlap.Sheflinchedatitsweight,buthisclawsweresheathed.Hehoistedhimselfto
halfrestonherthighs,hisbreathwarmthroughhershirt.Shecontinuedtorubhisheadandscratchalong
thesideofhisface,andheletoutalittlewhuffofcontentment.

Assherubbed,heleanedforwarduntilhislargenosepressedtheopeningofherblouse,hisbreathhoton
thebareskinbeneath.

“Stopthat,”shesaid,butshecouldn’thelplaughing.

Herlaughterendedabruptlywhenhishottonguelappedbetweenherbreasts,catchinginthelaceofher
bra.Shetriedtopushhimaway,buthewastooheavy.

“Allright,thisistooweird,evenforadream.”

Theleopardlookedupather,asmuglookinhiseyes.Youlikeit.Hiswords,tingedwithagrowl,rangin

herbrain.

“No,Idon’t.Idrawthelineatleopards.”

Youhaveneeds,Rebecca.Ifeelthem.You’reburningupwiththem.

HisvoicesoundedsolikeAndreas’s,thatstrangewhite-and-black-hairedmanwiththesameblueeyes.
DearGod,wasshemanifestinghiminherdreamasaleopard?Wasshethatdesperate?

Sheputbothhandsonhischestandpushed,butitwasliketryingtomoveabrickwall.“Ihaverules.”
Shepanted.“Noanimals.”

Herumbledinhisthroat.I’mdifferent.

Hepushedherback,andRebeccafoundherselffallingfromthechairtothesoftcarpet,theleopardontop
ofher.Hergaspwascutoffwhenhelickedherfacewithabroad,hottongue.

Hisbreathwassurprisinglysweet,muchbetterthanshe’dexpectedfromawildanimal.Butthen,thiswas
adream.

Hisweightonherwaswarmanddense,andmadeherfeel...protected.Helickedheragain,histongue
lingeringonherlips.

“Really,youhavetostopit.”Shepressedashakyhandtohisface,andheplayfullynippedherfingers,
keepinghisrazorcaninesincheck.“IwonderwhatFreudiankinkmakesmedreamaboutbeinglickedby
aleopard.”

Itdependsontheleopard.

Helickedheronceagain,slowly,andshelethim.Hiswhiskerstickledherthroat,hisbreathso
comfortingandwarm.

Histonguedippedbetweenherbreasts,lappingthesweatthere.Thebrakepthimfromtouchingherskin,
buthisleopardtonguefoundwherehernipplespointedthroughthefabric.Thelickingarousedhernipples
evenmore,andshetriedtopushhimawayagain.

“No,Ireallycan’tdothis.”

Butyou’reenjoyingit.Hisnosewrinkledlikehewaslaughing.

“No,I’mseverelyhorny,andAndreasishot.”

YoulikeAndreas,doyou?

Herfaceheated.“No.He’srudeanddomineering,andeverythingastrongwomanhates.”Shesighed.“I
wishheweren’tsodamnhot.”

I’lltellhim.

“You’lldonosuchthing...WhatamIsaying?Thisisaweird,kinkydream,andIstillcan’tbelieveI’m
havingit.”

Hethinksyou’resexy.

Sheburstoutlaughing.“NowIknowthisisadream.I’mamajorgeek.NomanthinksI’msexy.”

Andreasdoes,hesaidsoftly.Sleepnow,Rebecca.

Shetriedtoresistthecommand,buthereyesgrewheavy,thedreamdriftingaway.Theleoparddissolved
likesmoke,andthenextthingsheknew,thesunwasup.Shelayonthefloorwithherblouseopen,and
Isisthecatwasstaringatherwithcuriousgreeneyes.

PATRICIAswamtowakefulness,smellingcoffeebrewingandsausagefryingdownstairs.Delicious.

Shewaspleasantlytired,everymusclerelaxed,hersexualplaywithNicohavinglefthercontentedtothe
deepestpartofherself.Shewasn’tsurewhatshe’dlikedbetter:hisfeatherswarmandsoftalloverher
nakedness,hisskillfultongueandhands,orjusttouchinghislovelylargecock.

Theyhadn’thadfullsex,nothiminsideher,whichbothsurprisedanddelightedher.She’dneverknowna
manandwomancouldhavesomuchfunwithoutactualintercourse.

Shefelthiswarmweightbesideherandsmiledassheopenedhereyes.Excepttheeyesthatlookedback
atherweren’tsinfuldarkbrownbuticeblue.

9

PATRICIAstifledashriek.Andreashadstretchedoutnexttohernotwearingastitch,hisgazethatofa
bad-temperedleopard.

“Damnit,Andreas,thisismybed.”

Herolledhalfontoher,hisbodyhardandheavy.“Youwantmehere.”

Sheputupherhands,butinsteadofpushinghimaway,hertreacherousfingerscaressedhisshoulders.
“No,Idon’t.”

“I’vebeentryingtoavoidcomingtoyou,evendistractingmyselfwatchingoverprettyDr.Trimble.But
you’rethinkingit,Patricia.You’rethinking,Whatwoulditbelikewithbothofthem?”

Herfaceheated,butshecouldn’tdenytheforbiddenfantasiesdancingaroundinherbrain.“Idon’twant
tohurtNico.Idon’twanttobelikethat.”

“Healreadyknows.Hetoldmethismorningheknewitwastimeforyoutotakeittothenextlevel.”

Angerstirredinspiteofherexcitement.“I’msogladthetwoofyoudecidedforme.”

Hissmileturnedferal.“Youdecided,Patricia.Weonlywatch...andwait.”

“Idon’twanttohurtNico,”sherepeatedstubbornly.

Nico’svoicecamefromthedoorway.“Youwon’t.”

Hewalkedinside,fullydressed,thenshutandlockedthedoorbehindhim.Helookednotatallangryor
dismayedthatAndreaswasthere,thoughsomesuppressedemotionflickeredacrosshisface.

Stayingdressed,Nicoclimbedontothebigbedandlaydownontheothersideofher.“Whatdoyouwant
himtodo?”

Patricia’slimbsfeltwateryandcold,herbodyhotandshiveryatthesametime.Andreas’sbreathwarmed
herface,thefirmmusclesofhisarmheavyonhershoulder.

Onherotherside,Nicowasallthatwasprotective.Shelikedthefeelofhisjeansandshirtagainsther
bareskin.Havingamanoneithersideofherwasanunfamiliar,deliciouspleasure.

“AmIreallydoingthis?”sheaskedinwonder.

“Youare,”Andreassaid.

Nicolaidhishandonherabdomen,onceagainthesmiling,sinful,seductiveNico.“Giveintowhatyou
trulyneed,love.Whatdoyouwantustodo?”

Patriciatookadeepbreath.Hermostburiedfantasies,theonesthatmadeherblushandwonderifshe
wasquitenormal,startedknockingforherattention.Nico’squestionloosenedthedesiresthatshe’d
wantedtofulfillforalong,longtimebutneverimaginedshe’dhavethechance.Nowtwomenwereat
herservice,theirgoldchainsmeaningshecouldaskthemtodoanythingshewanted.

“IwantAndreaslickingmypussy,”shesaidrapidly,“whileIsuckonyourcock.”

Andreas’sblueeyessparkled.“That’sanarrangementIcantake.”

Nicosmiledlikeawinestewardpleasedwithapatron’schoice.Thenhislookturnedasferalas
Andreas’s,andherippedthecoversfromPatricia’sbody.

Patriciawasstillnakedanddampfromtheirplay,andshe’dslepthard.“Notyet,”shegasped.“Ihaveto
shower.”

Andreasrolledawayfromher,conceding.“Wecandothisintheshower.”

“Ifit’sabigenoughshower,”Nicoadded.

“Wecanscrubherdown,anyway.”Andreassaunteredintothebathroom,morningsunshinethroughthe
blinds’slatsthrowingstripesacrosshisbody.

“Nico,”Patriciabegan.

Hewasonhisfeet,hishandathisfly.“Go,”hesaid,hisdarkeyesshuttered.Hedidn’twanttotalk;he
wantedtodo.

Patriciascrambledoutofbedandscurriedintothebathroom,whereAndreashadalreadyturnedonthe
water.Thebathtubwasalongwhirlpooltubwithashowerheadaboveit.Itwaslargeenoughfortwo;a
tightfitforthree.

“It’swarm,”Andreasannounced.“Inyougo.”HesnatchedPatriciaoffherfeetandeasilydepositedher
intheshower.

Hisbigbodywaswarmandalreadywet.Shehadn’tlikedAndreasatfirst,butshe’dbeguntowarmto
him.HewasastrappedinallthisasNico,andhisbadtemperstemmedfromthat.Nowherwarmthfor
himwasturningvolcanic.

Nicowalkedintothebathroom,unclothed,asAndreasslidtohiskneesinfrontofPatricia.Andreas
snatchedacakeofsoapfromtheholderandstartedtorubitoverherthighsandpussy.

Therewasasecondbarofsoaponthecounterinabox.Nicotoreitopenanddroppedthelittleboutique
soaponhislargepalm.HereachedintotheshowerandsmoothedthebaroverPatricia’sbackand
shoulders.

Thedoublemassagefeltwonderful.Patricialeanedherheadback,lettingtheshowerwetherhair,and
Nicomovedhishandtosoapdownherbreasts.

“Everywoman’sdream,”shemurmured.“Twogorgeousmenwashingmeallover.”

Andreaschuckled.“We’rejustgettingstarted.”

Patriciahummedinherthroatasfourhands,slickwithsoap,movedoverherbreasts,hernipples,herclit.
“Idon’tthinktheinnkeeperwouldbetoothrilledwithushavinganoisythreesomeinherbestguestroom.
NottomentionRebecca.Wedon’twantDr.Trimbletorunawayindisgust.”

“They’llneverhearus,”Andreassaid.

“No?I’msuresoundcarriesinthisoldhouse.”

Nicolaughedsoftly.“Wedohavesomepowers,love.Theabilitytomasksoundstogiveussomeprivacy
istheleastofthem.”

Patriciashivered,despitethehotwater,wonderingwhatsomeoftheirgreaterpowerswere.

Theybothstoppedsoapingherandrinsedheroff,thenAndreasbentforwardandstartedlickingher
nipples.Shegroaned,andNicoleanedforwardtocatchthesoundonhislips.

Thelayoutofthebathroompreventedthemfromenactingherscenario,soAndreasshutoffthewater,and
thetwoofthemdriedheroffandcarriedherbackintothebedroom.ThereNicosatheronachair,and
shetentativelyspreadherlegs.

Andreassentheradarksmileashesatbackonhisheelsinfrontofher.Theshowerhaddarkenedhis
whiteblackhairanddottedhisshoulderswithbeadsofwater.Hedidn’tseemtocareasheleaneddown
andfastenedhismouthonherpussy.

“Oh,God,”Patriciamoaned.Whilehermouthwasstillopen,Nicobumpeditwithhiscock.

Sheturnedherheadandseizeditwithherlips.

Nicomadeasoftnoiseinhisthroatandrockedbackonhisheels.Hisfistsrestedonhisthighs,brown
skintight.

Patricialovedthewayhetasted.Sherememberedwhatshe’dtoldhimshe’ddointhecar:takehiminto
hermouthandfeeleveryinchwithhertongue,whileshecuppedhisballswithherhands.Sheranher
fingersupthebaseofthecocktohisballs,whichhungtightandheavybetweenhislegs.

Andreasprovedhewasthemasterofthetongue.Hepressedherthighsopenwithstronghandsandburied
hisfaceinher,hismouthdoingallkindsofwonderfulthings.Hewasgoingtotakeheroverthetopinno
time,andshewantedtocomeatthesametimeNicodid.

ShemimickedthemovementofAndreas’stonguewithherownonNico.Hemoanedandjerked,andthen
shefelthishandsinherhair.Shelikedhimcaressingher,showingherthathelikedwhatshedid.

Shecouldn’tbelieveshehadtwomenpleasuringher.She,PatriciaLake,whofeltmoreathomewithbits
andpiecesofthepastthanwithlivingbeingsofthepresent,washavingtwomenatthesametime.This
hadtobesomegiddy,wonderfuldream.

SheheldontoNico’scockwithonehand,andwiththeother,ranherfingersthroughAndreas’shair.His
hairwassleekandsoft,probablylikehisleopard’scoat.

Andreascertainlyknewhowtogivepleasure.Healternatelysuckledherclitandlickedit,nibbledlightly
withhisteeth,andtickledwithhisthumbs.Whenshefearedshe’dclimaxtoofast,hesloweddown;then,
justwhenshe’dcaughtherbreath,he’dsuckleheragainandhavehercryingout.

“Patricia,love.”Nico’svoicewasthroaty.

Patriciawastoofargonetosortoutherfeelings,butsheknewshewishedthelovetobetrue.

Andreassuddenlyspeduphisattack,lickingandsucklinghardandfast.Theroomseemedtospin,nothing
certainbutAndreas’smouthonherandhersonNico.

Inamasterpieceoftiming,AndreashadherhipsrisingwithherclimaxjustasNicogroanedandshothis
seedintohermouth.ThenNicowaspumpingintoher,strokingherhairandmoaninghernamewhile
Andreas’smouthdroveherclimaxonandon.

Whenthingsquieted,sheopenedhereyesandfoundNicolookingstraightather,hisgazesointensewith
emotionthatshenearlymeltedoffthechair.Hequicklymaskedhisexpressionandpickedupatowelto
gentlydabhermouthclean.

Andreassatback,hisblueeyeswicked.“There.Onefantasy,cometrue.”

“Maybeshehasanother.”Nicocouldmakeherhotandbotheredwithjusthisvoice.Patriciashouldbe
sated—Andreashaddonesuchafinejob—butshefoundherheartspeedingathissuggestion.

Andreaslaughedather.“Ithinkshedoes.”

Andreas’scockwashuge,stickingoutofathatchofdarkhair,niceandhard.Nicobesideherwasonly
halfdeflatedandgrowingagainwiththethoughtthatshemightwanttodosomethingelse.

WhatPatriciawantedshebarelydaredletherselfthink.ButsomethingabouttheatmospherearoundNico
andAndreas,somethingabouttheirauras,electrifiedthepassionsshehidinherheart.

“Don’tbeafraidtotellus,”Nicosaid.“Noinhibitionsbeforebreakfast.”

Patriciagulped.“Butit’ssomething...IneverunderstoodorthoughtI’dreallywant.UntilImetyou
two.”

Nicostrokedherhairbackfromherfaceandleanedtokisshercheek.“Whatisit,sweetheart?”

Shedrewashakingbreath.“I’dlikeyoutosuckAndreasoff.”“Mmm.”Andreas’susuallycoldeyes
warmed.“Aren’tyouthewildone?”

“Notifyoudon’twantto,”shesaidhurriedly.“Iwouldn’tmakeyou—”

Nicocutoffherwordswithakiss.“Hush,love.Noinhibitions,remember?”

“Butthisisdifferent.It’snotaboutme.”

“Yes,itis.”Nicokissedheragain,hislipswarmandsilken.“It’sadifferentkindofneed.”

Andreassentheralazysmile.“You’dbesurprisedhowmanywomenwanttowatchtwomenputtingona
showforthelady.”

Theyweren’tdismayed.Sherealized,watchingthem,thatthey’ddonethissortofthingbefore.

Whydidthatmakehermoreexcitedstill?

“Well,getonwithit,”shesaidbreathlessly.“I’mstartingtowantmybreakfast.”

“Listentowho’sgivingorders,”Andreassaid,eyessparkling.Hewasstilllaughingather,stillarrogant,
stillincontrol.SowasNico.Theymightbecompelledbythiscurse,butshehadthefeelingtheymanaged
todoexactlywhattheypleased.

Nicopulledastraight-backedchairnexttoPatricia’sandstraddleditbackward.Andreasrolled
nonchalantlytohisfeet,hispenisstiffandhardandready.

Patriciaheldherbreath,unabletobelievetheywouldreallydoit.Nicoslidhishandsoverhisfriend’s
hips,expertlypositioninghim,thenAndreastuckedhiscockneatlyinsideNico’smouth.

Patriciasatsocloseshecouldseeeverylick,everysuck,everybitethatNicogavehim.Shesaw
Andreas’shandsclenchandhisbodygorigid,sawhiserectionpresstheinsideofNico’smouth.

ShegaspedherselfandpressedherfingertoherclitasNicohadtaughther.WatchingNicoexpertly
pleasurehisfriend,eyesclosed,sentwavesofwildexcitementthroughher.Itwasbetterthananything
she’deverimagined,rawandstarkandreal.

AndreasrestedhishandsinNico’shairandPatricia’s,strokingthembothasNicopleasuredhim.Patricia
turnedherheadandlickedthebaseofAndreas’scock,tastingNico’slipsalongwiththedarksaltinessof
Andreas’sskin.

Helikedit,urgingthembothon.Patriciakeptonlicking,hertongueandNico’ssometimescolliding.
Andreaswasgroaningoutloud,thrustinghishipsatthemasPatricialickedandNicosucked.

Andreas’smoansturnedtoanimal-likegrowls,thenheshouted,“Fuck,”androaredhisreleaseinside
Nico’smouth.

10

BREAKFASTwastense.NicojoinedAndreas,Patricia,andRebeccainthesunnybreakfastroomafter
he’dcaughtaquickshower.Thefourofthemsatatacornertable,theinn’seightothergueststakingupthe
restoftheroom.

AssoonasNicosatdown,Mrs.BlakeandhertwohelpersbroughtoutFrenchtoastinadecadentfruit
syrup,scrambledeggswithsausageandpotatoes,muffinsthesizeofNico’shand,andcoffee.Lotsofhot,
freshcoffee.Nicoattackedhisloadedplate,hungryafterthemorning’sdebauch.

NeitherPatricianorRebeccawouldlookathim.RebeccashotsidelongglancesatAndreas,hercheeks
pink,andPatriciawouldnotlookupfromherplateatall.

Andreas,ontheotherhand,leanedbackinhischair,stretchingouthislonglegsandsippingcoffee,as
thoughhe’ddonenothingmoredecadentthatmorningthanreadthenewspaper.

“Didyousleepwell?”theirhostessaskedcheerfullyassherefilledcoffeemugs.

BothPatriciaandRebeccajumped.Andreasyawnedplacidly.“Idid.”

“AsdidI,”Nicojoinedin.SnugglingwithPatriciahadbeensweet.

“Good.Thecatslikeyou,Andreas,don’tthey?IthinkPeachystayedwithyouallnight.”

ThethreecatswereevennowwindingaroundAndreas’sfeet,lookingupwithhopefuleyes.Andreas
ignoredthem.

“Theythinkhe’stheirmother,”Nicosaid.

Andreasgavehimanevillook.“Theirprotector,”hecorrectedcoldly.“TheyknowIwillprotectthem.”

Thecatsatthemomentlookedliketheyhopedhe’dfeedthem.Andreassurreptitiouslytookabitof
sausagefromhisplateandcrumbledittothefloorforthem.

Mrs.Blakesmiledatthem.“Youlooklovelythismorning,Dr.Trimble.Ithinkthelittleporchroomis
goodforyou.”

Withoutwaitingforreply,shemovedoff,leavingRebeccaredderthanever.Niconotedshe’dnotpulled
herhairbackthismorningbutletitfloatacrosshercheeksinsoftyellowwaves.Insteadofwearinga
plainblouselikeshehadyesterday,thisonehadalittlewhiteembroideryonthecollar.

“Howisthetranslationcoming?”heaskedher.

Rebeccajumpedhalfafootandflusheddeeper.“Translation?”

“Youknow,”Andreasrumbled.“Theoneontheostracon.ThereasonI’mherelettinglackeysrunmy
club.”

“OfcourseIknowwhichtranslation...”Flustered,Rebeccadugintoaslimportfoliobriefcaseather
sideandwithdrewasmallsheafofpapers.

Nicostackedtheusedbreakfastplatesinthemiddleofthetable,andRebeccaspreadoutpapersandthe
photosoftheostracon.Patriciafinallylookedupwithinterest,butsherefusedtomeetNico’seyes.

“It’samostcuriousinscription,”Rebeccasaid.“Iunderstandabouthalfofit,buttheotherhalfis
gibberish.IcopieditoutthebestIcould.”

Shespreadoutpaperscoveredwithhand-drawnhieroglyphs,jottingsofhieraticscript,andwords
writteninEnglishletters.

“Someofthewordsareeasilyrecognizable,”shesaid.“OthersI’mnotasfamiliarwithoffthetopofmy
head,butIcanlookthemup.Butthese...”Shetouchedarowofhieroglyphsshe’dcopiedout.“Ican’t
makeheadnortailofthem.SomeofthemI’veneverseenbefore,andI’vereadmostofthetexts
available.Inotherwords,theyaren’treallyhieroglyphs.”

“Orthey’resoold,nooneknowswhattheyare?”Patriciasuggested.

Rebeccashookherhead.“No,wehaveexamplesofwritinggoingallthewaybackto3000BCE.It’sa
completelydifferentwriting,orelsewhoevercopiedthemontotheostraconcarvedthemabsolutely
wrong.I’dlovetoseetheoriginalinscription.”

“Ontheostracon?”Nicoasked,studyingthelettering.Hecouldreadsomehieroglyphs,asmanyashe’d
botheredtolearn,buthecouldn’treadtheoddonesRebeccahadpointedout.

Rebecca’sembarrassmentfadedasshewarmedtohersubject.“RememberIsaidthatit’slikelywhoever
carvedtheinscriptionhadnoideawhathewascopying.Therearewordsandsymbolsherethatarefrom
farbeforethePtolemaicperiod,EighteenthDynasty,Istillthink.Plus,yourostraconisonlyafragmentof
theentirecarving.It’slikelythearchaeologistsonthedigfounditinpieces,andthemuseuminCairostill
hastheothers.Ortheysoldallthepiecestodifferentcollectors.”

Andreaslistenedwithbarelyconcealedimpatience.“Soyouhavetohaveallthepiecestofigureoutwhat
itsays?”

“Itwouldbebest.Icantranslatemuchofwhat’shere,excepttheoddparts,buttherewillbegaps.”

“Shit,”Andreasgrowled.

“Theotherpiecesshouldn’tbetoodifficulttolocate,”Rebeccasaidcalmly.“Archaeologistsaremanic
aboutkeepingrecords,atleastinthisdayandage,andthemuseumwillknowexactlywhereallthese
pieceswent.Also,ifthisinscriptionisacopyfromsomethingolder,likeatemplewallortomb,there
willberecordsofthat,too.”

“Unlesstheotherpiecesweredestroyedorneverfound,”Patriciasaidglumly.“Ithappens.”

“Wecanbuttry,”Rebeccasaidwithconfidence.“Iknowalotofpeopleinthearchaeologicalworld,and
thosepeopleknowpeople.Letmemakesomecalls.You’dbesurprisedhowmuchwecanunearth,
pardonthepun.”

Nicohidasmile.Theirtranslatorwasalittlegeeky,butshewassmart,optimistic,andcapable.Patricia
hadmadeagoodchoice.

AndreascaughtRebecca’seyeandwaggledhistongueather.Instantlyshesubsidedintoincoherent
blushing,andAndreasgrinned.ItmadeNicowonderjustwhathisfriendhadgottenuptointhenight.

REBECCAscoldedherselfassheenteredhersnugroomtostartmakingphonecalls.She’dhadadream
lastnight,wasall.NothingtogetallflusteredabouteverytimeshesawAndreas.

ButlookingintoAndreas’schillblueeyes,sheunderstoodwhyshe’ddreamedhimasasnowleopard.
Hismottledhair,hisgleamingsmile,andaboveall,hiseyes,sobeautifulandcoolandarrogant,madeher
thinkofabeautifulwildcat.She’dseenasnowleopardonlyonce,asadspecimeninazoo,butherdream
leopardhadbeenstrongandsleek.

Shevividlyrecalledthecat’sstrengthashe’dclimbedontoher,hisbreathhotbetweenherbreasts.He’d
knownexactlywheretolick...

Rebeccafoundherfaceheatingagain,andshebanishedthememory.Itwasasillydream,butsherealized
whatitmeant.She’dwantedAndreastodothosethings,andherdreamhadputhimintheformofa
leopardtokeepherselffromadmittingit.

Shemadeherselfworkhardintheautumnsunshineonherroom’slittleporch.Shelikedproblemslikethe
strangehieroglyphs,unravelinginscriptionsnooneelsehadunraveledbefore.

Rebeccahadmadehernameprovingthattheuninterestingcouldbeimportant.Aminorpriest’saccountof
whathappenedatatemplecouldsolvethemysteryofwherealostqueenmightbeburied.She’dwon
awardsforherwork.

Butspendingdayshunchedoverherdeskorscorchingweeksinthedesertbrushingdustfromapieceof
stonedisruptedherlovelife—whattherewasofit.Shehadn’tbeenlaidsince...Oh,God,she’d
forgotten.

ShelookedacrossthegroundsandsawAndreasoutonthegrass,tossingafootballbackandforthwith
Nico.Justanordinaryguyintightjeansandasweatshirt,exceptthatshe’dturnedhimintoaleopardin
herdreams.

ItwasSaturday,andshedidn’thaveaclasstoteachuntilTuesday.Shecouldspendthenextthreedays
heredawdlinginthisniceBandBwithsexyAndreas.Shehummedsoftlyassheworked,enjoyingthe
niceweathershemissedshutupinanoffice.

Ashadowobscuredherpapers,andshelookedupinannoyance.Andreasleanedontheporchrail
watchingher,thethreecatstwiningaroundhisfeet.He’dabandonedthefootballandNico,whowas
walkingawaywithhisarmaroundPatricia.

“Andreas.”Shegulped.

Heleanedovertheporchrailandpeeredatthepapersstrewnacrossthetable.Rebeccadidn’tletherself
lookatthewaythebluejeanshuggedhishipsorathiszipperedflyandspeculatewhathiscocklooked
likelyingsnuginside.

“Gettinganywhere?”heasked.

“What?Oh,thetranslation.It’smovingahead.”

“Howlongwillittakeyou?”

Hernervousnessturnedtoirritation.“Idon’tknow.It’snotlikescrubbingabathtub.Therearenuances,
andIdon’twanttomissanything.”

“Doyouscrubmanybathtubs?”

Whatwashetalkingabout?“Ilivebymyself,soyes.There’snooneelsetodoit.”

Hiseyestookonamischievousglint.“IthinkI’denjoywatchingyouscrubabathtub.”

Shecouldn’timaginewhy,andthewayhelookedatherembarrassedherandirritatedher.

“Ihadadreamaboutyoulastnight,”shesaidsharply.“OrIthinkIdid.Youturnedintoaleopard.”

Hisbrowsrose.“Really?WhatdidIdo?”

“Youjust...werealeopard.Thecatswereinit,too,followingyouaroundliketheyalwaysdo.”

“Theycan’tgetenoughofme.”

IsisandRedKittywerepracticallybindinghisankleswiththeirtails.Peachyperchedontheporch
railingbesidehim,closinghereyesasAndreasscratchedherchin.

Helookedtoogood.Hissweatshirtstretchedacrosshardshoulders,histhroatstrongandtanned.Blond
haircoveredmuscularforearmsthatwerecrisscrossedwithlittlescars.He’dshavedthismorning,afaint
scentofaftershaveclingingtohim.

“MaybeifIhelp,itwillgofaster,”hesaid.Heinvitedhimselfuptheporchstepsandscrapedachairout
fromthetable.

“Youreadhieroglyphs?”

“Some.Icanreadenoughtoknowthattheinscriptionisaboutus.”

Rebeccablinkedathim.“Aboutyou?Howcoulditbe?”

Heputhisfingeronthepictureofawildcatandthehieroglyphsnexttoit.Transliterated,theysounded
likendr.Egyptiansdidn’tincludevowelswhentheywrote;thereaderfilledthemin.

“That’soneofthewordsthatmakesnosensetome,”shesaid.

“It’sthenameAndrei,theGreekform.IchangedittoAndreasastimeschanged,becausepeoplecould
spellandpronounceiteasier.”

Hepointedtoapictureofamanwithwings.Thecopierhaddrawndetailedfeathersthatfloweddownthe
man’sbackandcurledathisfeet.Theinscriptiontransliteratedasncls.

“Nikolaus,”Andreassaid.“WhichheshortenedtoNico.”

Rebeccalaughedathim.“Andreas,thisinscriptionisseveralthousandyearsold.I’llknowexactlyhow

oldifwecanfindtheoriginal.Asegotisticalasyouare,itcan’tbeaboutyou.”

“Itdoesn’tmatterwhatyoubelieve.”Heloungedback,claspinghishandsbehindhishead.“Aslongas
youfindananswerforus.Soon.”

“Idon’tworkforyou,”shesaidinirritation.“I’mdoingthisasafavortoPatricia.YouandNicoarethe
oneswhoinsistedIstayherewithyou,butyoukeepinterruptingme.I’mgettingitdoneasfastasIcan.”

Andreasslantedheranunreadableglance.“I’llmakeituptoyou.”Hisvoicewentdark.“Promise.”

“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”sheaskednervously.

Andreasleanedforward,puttinghisfacenearhers.“Iknowyoulikebeinglickedbetweenyourbreasts.I
candothatforyou.”

Herfaceflamed.“Youcan’tknowthat.”

“AfraidIdo.”Hetappedthepictureofthewildcat.“Itwasn’tadream,sweetheart.Youtastednice.”

Herthroatwentdry.“Youcan’tpossiblyknoweverythingIdreamed.”

Andreasskimmedhisfingersdownherthroatandbrushedthehollowofhercollarbone.“You’reawake
now.Isn’titbetterthisway?”

Rebeccawantedtostophim.Sheopenedhermouthtotellhimshewouldneverfinishthetranslationifhe
distractedhersomuch,butsheseemedrobbedofwords.

Sheclosedhereyesashiswarmfingerscontinueddownward,thenhetuggedatthelaceofherbra.“Take
thisoff.”

Hereyespoppedopen.“Youmeanrighthere?”

“Takeitoffandputitonthetable.”

Rebeccaglancedquicklyovertheporchrailing,butshecouldseenooneintheyard.Theroomwas
tuckedintoacorner,theporchshieldedfromthefrontofthehousebytwobigtrees.

Shewetherlips.TheRebeccasheknewwouldneverdreamofobeyinghim.Shewaspractical,
disciplined,smart,andsensible.

Herfingersseemedtomoveoftheirownaccordassheslowlyundidthebuttonsofherblouse.Andreas
watchedwithflatteringinterestwhilesheloosenedtheshirtenoughforhertoreacharoundandunhook
thebra.

She’dmasteredtheartofremovingherbrawithouttakingoffhershirt,wantingtoridherselfofits
bindingspandextheinstantshecamehome.Sheslidtheshoulderstrapsdownhersleevesandoverher
handsandthenpulledtheblacklacebraawayfromherchestandlaiditonthetable.

Herblousestillcoveredher,butAndreas’sgazerakedherasthoughhecouldseeeverythingunderneath
it.“Howlongdidittakeyoutolearntobesocoy?”

“Isthisbeingcoy?”

“You’reatease.”

“Ican’tbeatease.Ihavenoonetotease.”

“Openyourblouseandshowmeyourbreasts.”

Shegaspedattheabruptcommand.“Whyshouldyouwantmeto?”

“Youwantto,”hesaidflatly.“Butyou’rewaitingforpermission.”Hegesturedtohershirt.“Comeon,
showme.”

TheRebeccasheknewwouldsnortinderision,tellhimhewasfullofhimself,andthatshehadthingsto
do.

No,wait—theRebeccasheknewwouldneverevengetthiskindofrequest.

Herfingersshookassheslidtherestofthebuttonsfree.Sheclosedhereyesbriefly,thenthrewher
inhibitionstothewindandslowlypulledopentheblouse.

Coolairtouchedherbreasts,whichhadneverbeenbareoutdoorsbefore.Herskintingled,andsomething
insidehersqueezedinexcitement.

Andreastiltedhisheadashestudiedherbreasts,andshefelttheabsurdhopethathe’dlikethem.The
approvalthatflickeredinhiseyesmadeherwanttogivehimmore.

Shepulledtheblouseapartandsliditfromhershoulders,lettingitresthalfwaydownherarms.

Andreasgrowled.Heslidhischairbackfromthetable,andbeforesheknewwhatwashappening,hehad
heroutofherchairandonhislap,straddlinghislegs.

Heleanedherback,andastheleopardhad,lickedbetweenherbreastsallthewayuptoherthroat.
Rebeccasuckedinherbreath,herquimgoinghotandwet.Shelovedthewayhe’dspreadherlegsaround
him,andforsomereasonshewantedtorubherselfagainsthisthighs.

Andreastracedcirclesonherneck,thenlickedallthewayuptoherlips.Hedancedhistonguearound
them,remindingherofwhattheleopardhaddonelastnight.

“Thiscan’tbehappening,”shesaidagainsthisplayingtongue.“I’mdreaming.”

Hecuppedherbaredbreast,rollinghertightnipplebetweenfingerandthumb.“Doesthisfeellikea
dream?”

“Thebestdream.”

Hekissedher.Hislipsopenedhers,hisdemandingtonguedelvinginsidehermouth.Ithadbeensolong,
solong,sinceamanhadkissedher,andthenthey’dneverkissedherlikeAndreas.Shewascominginher
pants,herhipsmovingbackandforthlikeshewasfuckinghim.

“Easy,darling.”Andreasslowedthekisses,lickinginsidehermouthagain.“Youdon’twanttousemeup

toosoon.”

Shehadnoideawhathewastalkingabout.Shesuddenlywantedtokissandkisshim,todraghimagainst
herwhilehefondledherbreasts.

Shedippedherheadandcaughthisthingoldchainbetweenherteeth.Shedidn’tknowwhychewingit
wassosatisfactory,butshewasbeyondreasoning.

“You’llgetit,sweetheart,”Andreasrumbled.“I’llgiveyouallyouwant.Butnotyet.ThingsIhavetodo
first.”

“Whatthings?”

Hetookherhandsandheldthemstillinhisstrongones.Hiseyesglinted,somethingdarklurkingbehind
theblue.

“Unfinishedbusiness.Butsoon.”Hepushedherfromhislap,andshelandedawkwardlyonherfeet.

Shestaredathim,herblouseunbuttonedandhalfopen,theautumnbreezecoolingherbreasts.What
woulditbelike,thedeviousimpinsideherwondered,tobenakedforhimoutonthegrass?Whatwould
itbeliketolieonthepricklinggreenandspreadherlegs,invitinghimtotakeherrightthere?

Itwouldbeincredible.

Asuddengustofwindmadehershiver,andshedraggedhershirtclosed.

Andreasgotsinuouslytohisfeetandtooktheblacklacebrafromthetable.“I’llkeepthis.”

Rebecca’seyeswidened.Shetriedtosnatchthebraback,butAndreasfoldeditandstuffeditintohis
pocket.“Don’twearittherestofyourstay.”

“Ibroughttwomore,”shesaidfaintly.

“Didyou?”Andreasswungaroundandenteredherbedroom,riflingthedrawersuntilhefoundwhere
she’dstashedherunderwear.Heliftedouttwomorebras,onewhiteandonecherryred,andwadded
theminhishand.

“I’llgivethembackwhenyougohome,”hesaid,thenhewalkedoutandbangedthebedroomdoor
behindhim.

Herbreastssuddenlyitched,andRebeccacuppedtheminherhands,feelingdewtricklebetweenher
thighs.Nomanhadeverturnedheronlikethis,andshewasn’tquitesureifshecouldtakeit.

Hishigh-handednessaboutthebra—abouteverything—annoyedher,butatthesametimeitexcitedherto
obeyhim.Shesatdownathertableagain,pullinguptheblouse,thefabricagainstherbareskinmaking
herfeelmorewickedthanshehadinherlife.

INanotherpartofthegrounds,screenedfromviewbyathickstandoftrees,PatriciaandNicolay
togetheronablanket.Theyhadn’tundressed,itbeingalittletoochilly,butNicohadwrappedtheminhis
lushwings,whichkeptthemwarmerthananelectricheater.

“Whatwillyoudo,”Patriciaasked,“ifthisinscriptionhelpsfreeyoufromthegoddess?Whatareyour
plans?”

Henuzzledher,darkeyesenigmatic.“I’velearnednottohaveplans.Ineverthinkaheadtoomuch.”

“Youknowthatonceyou’refree,you’dbefreeofme.”

Heshookhishead.“Idon’tknowwhatwillhappenoncethecurseisoff,ifitevercanbe.Imightleave
thisworldandnevercomeback.”

Sheblinked.“Whatdoyoumean,leavethisworld?”

Hetouchedherface.“Theoldgodshavebeenpushedoutastheworldchanges.Theyliveapartnow,
awayfromthemundaneworld.It’shardernowforthegodstomovebackandforth.Mosthavegivenup.”

Patriciarubbedherfaceonhissoftfeathers.Nicowasn’thuman,asthewingsshelovedremindedher.He
washalfgod,halfnymph,tiedtohumanbeingsonlybythecurse.

“I’dmissyou,”shesaid.

“Youalreadyhavemeenslaved.YoucouldkeepmeherebydestroyingtheinscriptionbeforeRebecca
candecipherit.”

“Iwouldn’tdothattoyou.”

“You’dhavenothingtolose.”

Patriciatriedtositup,butheheldhertootightly.“Ihatethatyou’resosureI’llhurtyou.Pleasebelieve
thatIwon’t.”

Hewatchedherforalongtime,hiseyesunreadable,thenhekissedherforehead,feathersticklingher.
“LikeIsaid,Itrytoneverlooktoofarahead,love.I’monlylookingasfarastonight,andIhavesomany
ideasaboutthat...”

Patricialongedtohearthem,watchhimtellherwithhisseductivesmile,butatthatmoment,Rebecca
screamed.

11

NICOcouldmovelikelightningwhenheneededto,andhereachedtheporchroomwellaheadof
Patricia.AndreasalreadyhadtheDyoninaheadlockontheporch,thehissing,strugglingcreaturetrying
torakeAndreaswithhistalons.

Rebeccahadretreatedtothedoorway,watchingwithwideeyes.NicosensedPatriciacomepantingup
behindhim,andatleastshe,too,wassensibleenoughtostayoutoftheway.Allthreecatsstoodonthe
porchrailing,furspiked,howlingtheirencouragement.

“Iwasworking,”Rebeccacalled.“Hejust—appeared—andstartedgrabbingmynotes.”

Paperswerescatteredoverthefloor,someripped.Nicojoinedthefight,andtheDyonglaredhatredfrom
hisyelloweyes.

Hera’sbeingwasstrong,andAndreaswashavingtroubleholdingontoit.Nicorippedhisshirtfromhis
backandlethiswingsexplodeoutofhim.Hisstrengthandagilityincreasedwhenhedidn’tmaskhimself,
andheleaptattheDyon.

Andreasreleasedit,butonlylongenoughtomorphintohisleopardform,teethandclawsready.

TheDyonbetrayednofear.Hefoughthard,butAndreas’sleopardstrengthcoupledwithNico’sgod
strengthbestedhimquickly.

“Tellyourmistressshe’sdefeatingherself,”Nicosaid,hisarmaroundtheDyon’sthroat.“Wewon’tlet
herhurtthosewe’reenslavedto.”

“Itellhernothing,”theDyonspat.“Iamherstocommand.”

Nico’srageboiledover.“Fine.”HesnappedtheDyon’sneck.

Rebeccashriekedandclappedherhandstoherface.Patricia,knowinghowdangeroustheDyonswere,
relaxedinrelief.

TheDyondissipatedintosmoke,andsuddenlyNicoheldnothing.Thecatshoppeddownfromtherail,
tailshigh,purringloudlyastheymadeforAndreas.

Rebecca’sfacewaspastywhite,andsheleanedheavilyonthedoorframe.“Iwanttowakeup,”she
panted.“Whycan’tIwakeup?”

Andreasgrowledsoftlyandbuttedhislargeheadagainstherlegs.Rebeccastareddownathiminanguish.

“Oh,God,thisisreal.Youreallyarealeopard,andIletyou...”

PatriciapassedNico,herhandfirminhisforaninstant,thensheallbutshovedAndreasasideandled
Rebeccabackintothebedroom.“Weneedtohaveatalk,”shesaid.“Alongtalk.”

PatriciashutthedoorinAndreas’sface.Suddenlydrainedofadrenaline,Nicohidhiswingsawayandsat
heavilyontheporchstairs.HeheardthecrackleofboneandfurasAndreasresumedhishumanshape.

AndreassatnexttoNicoandpulledonhisjeans,hishardbodycoveredwithasheenofsweat.

“Thisisgettingfuckedup,”Andreassaidinquietvoice.

Niconoddedagreement,hisheartheavy.

Thecats,perfectlyhappywitheverything,drapedthemselvesacrossAndreas’slegs,theirpurrslikebuzz
saws.Atleastsomeonehadgottenentertainmentoutofit,Nicothought.Frominsidethebedroom,he
heardRebeccaburstintotears.

THEYstayedattheinnfortherestoftheweekendwhileRebeccamadephonecallstoarchaeologistsall
overthecountryandoutsideitabouttheostracon.

PatriciaknewRebeccahadtroublebelieving,despitetheevidenceofherowneyes.Butitwasalotto
takein—Andreaswasaleopard;Nicohadwings;Dyonswantedtheostraconandturnedtosmokewhen
Nicokilledthem.

Rebeccacouldatleastfocusontheostraconandtheinscription,whichshesaidwasmeatanddrinkto
her.Shedoubledherefforts,lettingthechallengehelpherdealwithhershockofNicoandAndreas.She
couldbarelyspeaktoAndreas,shootingsidelongglancesathimlikeaschoolgirlwithherfirstcrush.
Once,whenRebeccahadturnedaroundquickly,Patriciasawthatshe’dtakentonotwearingabra.

PatricialeftRebeccatoherwork,onlytofindNico’stensionwoundhigh.

HebecameasrestlessasAndreas,impatientwitheverythingandworriedanotherDyonwouldfindthem.
Hesaidnothingmoreaboutwhatwouldhappeniftheyfoundawaytogethimfreeorwhatwouldhappen
iftheydidn’t.

WheneverPatriciatriedtostartanyconversationwithhim,nomatterhowinnocuous,Nicowoulddistract
herwithsexualplay.Thatmeantherbodywaswellsatedbytheendoftheweekend,butshecouldgetno
closertohim.

AnotherthingthatrampedupherfrustrationwasthatsheandNicostillhadn’thadfullsex.Nicohad
broughthertosomeofthemostprofoundpleasureshe’deverexperienced,buttheyhadn’tactually
completedtheact.Washetryingtomakehersohungryforitthatwhentheyfinallydidconsummatetheir
relationship,itwouldbespectacular?Shenevercouldask,becauseaftertheirplay,she’ddropintodeep
slumber,andNicowouldbegonewhenshewoke.

She’dthoughtthathimbeingherslavewouldmeanhe’ddowhatevershewanted,buthesaidno,itmeant
he’dbringherprofoundpleasure,hisway.Sofar,shecouldn’targuewithhistechnique,butitlefther
emotionallyunsatisfied.

TheonlyoneateasewasAndreas.Thebig,growlingmanspenttheweekendreadingnewspaperswith
hisfeetuportalkingonhiscellphonetohisassistantrunningtheclubbackinManhattan.Heusuallyhad
acatortwodrapedoverhim,andwhenheprowledthegroundsatnightasaleopard,theyfollowedclose
behindhim.

OnMonday,Rebeccaaskedthemtocometoherporchsoshecouldtellthemwhatshe’dfound.Nico
pulledPatriciatositwithhimonawoodenbench,hisarmaroundher,whileAndreasloungedagainstthe

railing.

Rebeccalecturedthemfromhertablespreadwithpapers.Theostraconhadindeedbeenoneofthree
fragmentsfoundinaGreco-RomansiteinAlexandria.Allthreepieceshadbeenstudied,thensoldbythe
EgyptianMuseuminCairo.OnefragmentnowresidedinMrs.Penworth’slivingroom,andRebecca
talkedtoanarchaeologistwhowascertaintheothertwofragmentswereintheBritishMuseumin
London,wherethey’dlainforahundredyears,broughttoEnglandinadayandageinwhichtheydidn’t
wanttosharetheartifactswiththecountrytheycamefrom.

RebeccacalledtheBritishMuseum,butthepersonshespoketocouldnotbecertaintheyweretheright
fragments,andapparentlytheydidn’thavethestaff—ortheinterest,Rebeccasaidwithdisapproval—to
photographthefragmentsandfaxthemtoher.Rebeccawouldhavetogoandlookforherself.

“Andanyway,it’sbettertolookinperson.Aphotographerorcopyistmightgetitwrong.”Hereyeswere
sparklingwithexcitementthattoldPatriciashewasreadytocontinuethehunt.

“Whataboutyourjob?”Patriciaasked.“Yourclasses?”

Rebeccawaveditaway,acompleteturnaroundfromthedaythey’dmether.“IonlyteachonTuesdays
andThursdays.IfweleaveThursdayafternoonandgetbackbyTuesdaymorning,Ishouldn’tmissathing.
Itisforresearch,afterall.Icouldgetagoodjournalarticleoutofit.”

NicoandAndreasseemedperfectlyhappywiththisplan.PatriciaexpectedNicototellhershe’dbesafer
leftbehind,butheonlylookedatPatriciawithpaininhiseyesandadvisedhertocomewiththem.

Hewasplainlytornbetweenprotectingherandneedingherwithhim,thecursegrippinghim.Patricia
supposeditwouldbekindertoremainbehind,butshecouldn’tbearthethoughtofhimgoingoffwithout
her.Thecursemustbegrippingher,too.

AndreasandNicoofferedtofundthetickets,whichRebeccaacceptedwiththegraciousnessofa
chronicallypoorgraduatestudent.Patriciatriedtopayherownway,butNicoinsisted,thentorturedher
withpleasurethatnightforevensuggestingit.

“Youbelongtome,”hesaid,hisvoicedarkwithneed.“Yourpleasureandwell-beingismycharge.”

Heevengentlytiedasilkengagaroundhermouthasheplayedwithher,preventingfurtherargument.

AndreasboughttheticketsonlineforFriday,theearliesttheycouldfindaflight,andonFridaymorning,
Patriciadrovethemallbacktothecitytocatchtheflight.ThecatsstayedbehindattheBandBwithMrs.
Blake.Theinnkeeperwashappytotakecareofthem,whichrelievedPatricia,whohadn’twantedto
leavethemaloneorputtheminakennel.ThecatsknewAndreaswasleaving,andtheysulked.

Andreashadbookedfirst-classtickets,PatriciaandRebeccadiscoveredwhentheyreachedJFK.Heand
Nicobehavedasthoughthiswasnormal,settlingintothefirst-classloungeliketheyownedtheplace.
Patriciausuallyflewascheaplyasshecouldwhenshewentonbuyingtripsandhadgottenusedto
squishingshouldertoshoulderwithstrangers.

Rebecca,too,wasusedtobaresubsistencetravelasastudentanddoctoralfellow,andlookedaroundin
awewhentheyboardedthefirst-classcabin.AndreashadsecuredhimselftheseatnexttoRebecca,with

NicoandPatriciaacrosstheaislefromthem.

“Thisis...cushy,”Patriciasaidassheleanedintohergenerousseatontakeoff.

“Andreaslikestotravelinstyle,”Nicoanswered.

AndreaswasbusysayingsomethingtoRebeccathatmadetheyoungwomanredanduncomfortable.When
Andreasgotuptowandertothebathroom,Patriciaslidintohisvacatedseat.

“Youcantellhimtoleaveyoualone,ifyouwant,”Patriciasaid.“He’llhaveto.”

Rebeccatriedtoshrugitoff.“I’mjustnotusedtomen.Imean,menwholookatmeasawomaninsteadof
anacademic.”

Patriciagrinned.“Ithappens.”

“Nottome,itdoesn’t.Ispentthepasttenyearstryingtomakemennoticemeformymind.Iwas
valedictorian,summacumlaude,tophonorswithmyPhD.Universitiesarefightingtogetme.”

“Soundslikehell.”

“No,it’swonderful,”Rebeccasaidseriously.“I’veachievedallIsetouttoandthensome.NowI’m
startingtowantmentolookatmeformybody,andit’stoolate.”

Patricialookedatherwithacriticaleye.“Idon’tthinkso.Youhavegoodmaterialtoworkwith.”

Rebeccasighed.“Ihavenoideahowtoworkwithit.Lookatme.”Shegesturedtoherbaggykhakipants,
herpalepinktopthatmadehercomplexionsallow,andherflyawayhairpulledagainintoahighponytail.
Sheworenomakeupasusual,butherfacehadgoodbonestructure,andherlipswerefull,hereyesasoft
brown.

“Leaveittome,”Patriciasaid.“Afewtouches,andyou’llbetransformed.”

Rebeccadidnotlookconvincedbutletthematterdrop.

PatriciagotupasAndreascamebackandreturnedtoherownseat.Andreasputhislipstoherearasshe
passedhim.

“Youhaveagreatass,Patricia.Letmeknowwhenyouwantmetofuckit.”

Suddenheatfloodedher,andtoherdismay,shehadavividvisionofhimbehindher,hardandreadyto
slideinsideher.Shefelthernipplespearlandherquimfill.

ShedroppedintoherseatbesideNicowithoutanswering,andAndreasloungedbackinhisownchair,
turninghisfullattentiontoRebecca.

“Whatdidhesaytoyou?”Nicowhispered.Theycouldn’tsnuggleverywellinthestate-of-the-art
individualseats,butNicoleanedtoher,runningacaressinghandoverherarm.

“Nothingimportant.”

Nicowatchedher,hislookturningdangerous.“Isaid,whatdidhesaytoyou?”

Hewouldgetitfromher,orAndreas,soonerorlater.Butshewasstruckwiththesuddendesiretotell
him.Itexcitedhertotellhim.

ShewhisperedwhatAndreashadsaid,andNico’seyesdarkened.“Doyouwanthimto?”heasked.

“Well,ofcoursenot.”

“Don’tlietome,Patricia.Ifyouwantit,that’swhatyou’llhave.Youknowthis.”

Patriciagulpedandlaybackinherrecliningseat.“WhatIknowisRebeccahadbetterhurryupandget
thatinscriptiontranslated.”

Nicowatchedheralittlelonger,hiseyesasdarkassin;thenhechuckledandturnedtolookoutthe
window.Buthewouldn’tforgetthematter,andneitherwouldAndreas,andsheknewit.

WHENtheyreachedLondon,Rebeccadiscoveredthatthemantheyneededtotalktoaboutthefragments
atthemuseumwasfinishingupaholidayandwouldbebackthedayaftertomorrow.

“Theycouldn’ttellmethatwhenwewerestillinNewYork,”shegrowledasshehungupthephoneinthe
suitethey’dbookedneartheBritishMuseum.“IsupposeIcouldgooverthereanddosomeresearch
whilewewait.”

“No,youcan’t,”Patriciatoldherfirmly.“RememberwhatIsaidontheflight?You’regoingshopping
withme.”

Rebeccabrightened,asthoughofferedararetreat.“Shopping?”

“We’regoingtoleaveourboysandindulgeinthefrivolous,femininesportofshopping.Wedeserveit.”

Rebeccanodded,stillhesitant,buthereyesshowedhereagerness.“Isupposewedo.”

PatriciaintendedtofindRebeccaanoutfitthatwentwithhertrimlittlebodyandmakeherwearit.The
womanwastoousedtothehabitualslovenlinessofthecareeracademic,butshehadpotential,and
Patriciaintendedtobringitout.Likeherfairygod-mother.

Plus,Patriciawantedtosightsee.She’dbeentoLondonbefore,butsheusuallyonlyhadtimetogoto
antiqueauctions,shipherfindingsbackhome,andflingherselfontoaplane,exhausted,forthereturn
journey.

NowsheandRebeccastrolledthestreetsandlookedatwhatshe’donlyglimpsedfromcabwindows:the
neoclassicalgloryofBuckinghamPalaceandthequietofGreenPark,Georgianhousesthatwerean
antiquelover’sdream,theTudorremnantsofSaintJames’sPalace.Shepressedhernosetothewindow
atChristie’sandsighedoverthebeautifulantiquesinside,pretendednottogawkatthewildcharactersin
PiccadillyCircus,andwalkedwithRebeccaoutacrosstherivertogazebackattheLondonskyline.

Andtheyshopped.SheandRebeccabrowsedshopsuntilPatriciafoundRebeccaanadorableskirtand
jacketoutfit,theskirtsexy-shortandthejacketmadetohugherfigure.Rebeccaperkedupconsiderably
lookingatherselfinthemirror,butsherefusedtoacceptitunlessPatriciafoundsomethingforherself.No
conservativepantsuitsorformlessskirts,either;Patriciahadtogoforit.

PatriciatriedonminuteskirtsandadozentopsuntilRebeccapickedoutabrightredskirtandablack
sleevelesssweaterwithahalterneckforher.Nothingforitbuttheygotthigh-highstockingsandhigh
blackheelstogowithit.

“Nico’seyeswillpopout,”Rebeccasaidastheywalkedoutarmedwithshoppingbags.“Youmakesure
youwearit.”

“I’llwearmineifyouwearyours.”

Rebeccanoddedseriously.“Bargain.”

Theysealeditoveralunchoffishandchipsinanearbypub.

“IloveLondon,”Patriciasaid,rubbingherfriedpotatoesinvinegarbeforepoppingthesatisfying
concoctioninhermouth.“Somuchhistory,fromtheRomanoutposttoyesterday.”

Rebeccaonlynodded.“Isuppose.”

Patricialaughed.“Iforgot;you’reusedtoworkingin2000BCE.Thismustallseemhideouslymodernto
you.”

Rebeccasmiled.“Somewhat.WhydoyouthinkNicoandAndreasletusgooffonourowntoday?”

“Youmeanwhyaren’ttheyhereprotectingusfrompotentialDyonattacks?”

“Exactly.”

Patriciastaredatheremptyplate,wishingmorechipswouldmanifestonit.“Theymustthinkwe’resafe
fornow.FromwhatIgather,theDyonsarelikedogswhohavebeentrainedtoguardonethingandone
thingonly.Ifyougetclosetothatthing,theyattack.Otherwise,theyignoreyou.”

“Inotherwords,we’reprobablynotontherighttrack,”Rebeccasaidglumly.“OrelsetheseDyonthings
wouldbealloverus.”

“Somethinglikethat.”

“Whydidtheyinsistwecomehere,then?”

“Idon’tknow.Theymighthavefiguredsomethingoutsincewearrivedandhaven’tbotheredtellingus.”

Rebeccasippedherlager,makingafaceatthetaste.“Youmeantheyhaven’tbotheredtellingyou.
Andreaswon’ttellmeanythingdirectlyifhecanhelpit.”

Patriciapeeredather,notingherblush.“AreyoufallingforAndreas?”

“Seemslikeit.”Rebeccadrankmorelager.“He...”Sheheavedaloudsigh.“Heteasesme,butIdon’t
thinkhe’sinterestedinmore.”

“Hmm.”PatriciawaitedtofeelangerorjealousythatRebeccaconfessedherattractionforthetall,sexy
Andreas,butnonecame.SheknewshewouldhaveburnedwithhurtifRebecca’stargethadbeenNico.

“Haveyoutoldhim?”Patriciaasked.

Rebeccasuddenlychangedfromashyyoungwomaninterestedinasexymantoaresignedwomanwho
knewwhatdisappointmentwas.

“Menlikethatneverwantwomenlikeme,”shesaidinadullvoice.“Idon’tknowhowtotalkabout
anythingbutmyjob.Hemightbeinterestedinhavingsexwithme—gettingthenerdyacademictolether
hairdown—butthat’sasfarasitgoes.Hewon’tbemovinginandhelpingmepickoutabathroomrug.”

Patriciacouldn’tanswer,becauseshewasn’tsureRebeccawaswrong.Andreasmightbecompelledto
Rebeccabythecurse,butthatmightbeasfarasitwent.

Thetwowomenlookedformoreanswersinanotherhelpingofchipsbutdrewnoconclusions.They
walkedofflunchbystrollingthroughGreenParkandadmiringSaintJames’sPalace,watchingpeople
teasingthestiff-facedguards.

TheytookthetubebacktotheirhotelneartheUniversityofLondonandtheBritishMuseumandentered
thefrontroomofthetwo-bedroomsuite.TherewasnosignofNicoorAndreas.

“Where’dtheygetto,doyouthink?”Rebeccaasked,soundingalittlecranky.

“Inhere.”Patricia’svoicewashollowasshefrozeinthedoorwayofthebedroom.Rebeccacametopeer
overhershoulderandgasped.

NicoandAndreaslaystretchedoutacrossthehugebed,Andreas’sheadonNico’sshoulder.Nico’s
wingscushionedbothofthem,andtheywereverynaked.

NicosmiledatPatricia.“Wethoughtyou’dlikealittleshow.”

“Thatis,ifyouevergothere.”Andreassnorted.“Whatwereyoudoing,buyingupthewholetown?”

“Westoppedforlunch,”Rebeccasaidfaintly.

“Hopeyou’restillhungry,”Andreasreturned.

PatriciafeltRebecca’shandonhershoulder,afaintclutchastheothergirlheldherselfup.Patricia
swallowedonherdrythroatasAndreasrolledoverandgaveNicoafull-tonguedkiss.

“Oh,my,”Rebeccabreathed.

Patriciacouldsaynothing.Theywereenjoyingthemselves,laughingtogetheratPatriciaandRebecca
standingstunnedinthedoorway.Theydidn’texpectRebeccaorPatriciatodoanything;thiswasashow
fortheirbenefit.

Thetwomentangledonthebedweresobeautiful,Nico’swingsprovidingablack,featherybackground
totheirtannedbodies.Andreas’swhiteblackhairmingledwithNico’sdarkhairastheykissed,
Andreas’sstronghandonNico’schest.

Patricia’squimgrewhotasshewatchedthemalesexualplaybeforeher.Cockswererampant,not
touching,Nico’slyingagainstthecurveofhisthigh,Andreas’sstraightout.Itwasthemosteroticthing
she’deverseen.

“Ican’tlook,”Rebeccawhispered,butwhenPatriciaglancedattheyoungerwoman,Rebecca’sgazewas
rivetedtothepaironthebed.

Thetwomenbrokethekiss,andNiconibbledAndreas’supperlip.Theyturnedtogethertothewomenin
thedoorway,smileswide.Theidenticalchainsaroundtheirneckswinkedinthesunlightthatstreamed
throughthewindow.

“Whatwouldyoulikeustodo?”Nicoasked.

Patriciaopenedhermouth,butnothingwouldcomeout.Rebeccawasbreathingfast,hotagainstPatricia’s
shoulder.Patriciaatleasthadgrownsomewhatusedtothepair’sblatantsexuality,butRebeccamusthave
beenflooredbyit.

“Anythingyouwant,”Nicocontinued.“We’reyoursfortheafternoon.”

“Commandus,ladies,”Andreassaidinahardvoice.“I’mgettingbored.”

Nicowaslaughingquietly;probablysheandRebeccawerepop-eyed,theirmouthshangingopentotheir
chests.

Patriciaclearedherthroat,tryingtodislodgetheshockthathadclumpedinit.Herkneeswereshaking,
buthernippleshadpinchedintotiny,hardbuds.“Playwitheachother,”shechokedout.

Behindher,sheheardRebeccagulp.

“Playhow?”Nicoasked.HisgazerivetedtoPatricia,andinitshesawjoythatshe’dacceptedthisgifthe
offered.

“Bringeachotheroff,”shesaid.“Please.”

“That’seasy,”Andreassaidinhisgrowlingvoice.“He’ssohardhe’llgoassoonasItouchhim.”

“Speakforyourself,”Nicoanswered.

HereachedforAndreas’scock,closinghishandaroundthehardandheavystaff.Andreasarchedhis
back,hiseyesclosinginpleasure.HeswipedhistonguethroughNico’smouth,thenhegraspedNico’s
cockinhishugehand.

Patricialongedtogotothem,toclimbonthebedamongallthosesoftfeathersandbewiththem,butshe
alsowantedtostayrightwhereshewas.Rollingaroundwiththem,she’dmisswatchingtheecstasythat
madeNicogiveheraheavy-eyedsmile.

Theyeachknewexactlywhattheotherliked.Theystrokedandtickled,dippedhandsdowntopalmeach
other’sballs.AndreasmovedclosertonestleagainstNico,andNicostrokedAndreas’sbackwithhis
feathers.

RebeccamadeastranglednoisebehindPatricia.Shesawtheyoungerwoman’seyesgosoft,herlips
partedandmoist.Rebecca’shairhadcomedown,andhercheekswereflushed,mirroringtheheaton
Patricia’sownface.

“Areyougladyoucame?”Patriciaaskedher.

“Hell,yes.”

Nico’stalentedfingersstrokedAndreasfrombasetotip,whileAndreaswrappedhishandaroundNico’s
cock.Bothmenstartedtosinkintothefeeling,toforgeteverythingaroundthembutthetouchofhandson
eachother.

NicocuppedAndreas’sass,strongfingersindentinghisflesh.Andreaskissedhim,tongueworking
againstNico’slips.

Patriciaputherhandtohermouth,lettingherselfsuckleherfingertip.RebeccaleanedagainstPatricia’s
back,notasexualmove,butforsupport.

“Ican’ttakemuchmoreofthis.”

“YoucanifIcan,”Patriciasaid.

Ofcourse,Patriciahadtheadvantageofhavingparticipatedinsexualplaywithbothofthem,ofalready
havingwatchedNicosuckAndreasforher.Evenso,thewavesofexcitementthatrolledoverherwere
almostoverwhelming.

AndreassworeashisseedspilledintoNico’shand,andhespeduphisassaultonNico.

“Comeon,”hesaidhoarsely.“Comeforme,damnit.”

Nicohelditinforawhilelonger.HedrewAndreas’sheadagainsthischest,strokinghisfriend’shair,
kissingit.AndreassqueezedNico’scockandflickedhisthumbsmoothlyoverhistip.

Bothmenwereincrediblysexy,butitwasNico’sfacePatriciawatched,Nico’sgazeshewantedtocatch.
Patriciaswiftlyunbuttonedherblouseandpulledupherbra,liftingherbreastsinherhands.

“Nico,”shesaid.

Helookedupather,watchedherflickingherthumbsoverhernipplesthesamewayAndreasplayedwith
hiscock.

Nico’sgazerivetedtoheramoment,thenhisbodyjerked,andhecame,groaninghard.

“Fuckingfinally,”Andreasgrowled.

“Shutup.”Nicogroundhiships,forcinghiscockthroughAndreas’sgrip.Andreasheldhimdownonthe
bed,Nico’swingsmovingrestlesslywithhisecstasy.

Whenbothmenfinallywounddown,Nicoblewouthisbreath.“Damn,”hesaidtoPatricia.

Shepulledherbradownagain,thefabriccatchingpainfullyonherhardnipples.Andreaslaughedather
andatRebecca,whoseforeheadnowrestedonPatricia’sshoulder.

“Enjoytheshow?”heasked.

“Yes,”Patriciaanswered,heartfelt.“Yes,Idid.”

“Whataboutyou,Becky?”Andreasaskedher.

Rebeccalookedup.Herfacefloodedwithcolor,hereyeswithpanic.Shesqueaked,putherhandover
hermouth,turnedonherheel,andfled.

12

REBECCArefusedtocomeoutofherroomtherestofthenight,muchtoAndreas’sannoyance.He
decidedtotakeouthisfeelingsbyhelpingNicopleasurePatricia.Twotongues,fourhands,andthe
deliciousmemoryofNicoandAndreaskissingeachotheronthebedmadePatriciafallasleepvery
happy.

Thenextmorning,thefourofthemwenttotheBritishMuseum,andPatriciaaccompaniedRebeccatothe
basementtotalktotheassistantinchargeofthefragments.Hewasasmall,fussymanwhodidn’tlike
femaleacademicsandtoldherthatthetwolimestonefragmentsinquestionhadbeenpurchasedlastyear
byasmallermuseuminChelsea.

“SoI’mafraidIcan’thelpyou,dear,”hesaid,givingheracoollook.“Nothingmuchtointerestyou,
anyway.Greco-Roman,nothingaboutKingTut.”

RebeccastompedawaywithPatriciaandjoinedNicoandAndreas,whowerewaitingbythestairs.

Andreas’scoldblueeyesflickeredwhenRebeccarelatedwhathadhappened,andPatriciasawahintof
clawinhisfingers.“MaybeIshouldhaveatalkwithhim,”hesaid.

“No.”Rebeccasighed.“Let’sjustfindthedamnfragments.”

Andreasnoddedbutwalkedprotectivelybesideherastheyleftthemuseum.Anothertuberidefollowed
byashortwalkbroughtthemtoatiny,privatelyownedantiquitiesmuseuminChelseaneartheriver.

IncontrasttothesnobbyassistantattheBritishMuseum,thiscuratorwasaweedyyoungmanexcited
aboutthecollectionanditsowner.

“Mr.Greeleytrulycaresaboutthepast,”hegushed.“He’snotjusttryingtoshowoffhowmuchwe
managedtolootfromtheNearEastahundredyearsago.Mugoftea,anyone?”

Rebeccarelaxedandengagedtheyoungmaninconversation,whilePatriciajoinedNicoandAndreas,
whowerewanderingrestlesslyaboutthegallery.

Nicowasquietandsubdued,Andreasboilingoverwithimpatience.NicoslidhisarmaroundPatricia’s
waist,drawingherclose.

“Canwegetthisoverwith?”Andreasgrowled.“Whatthehellaretheytalkingabout?”

“Leaveheralone,”Patriciasaid.“She’sworkedherbuttofftogetusthisfar,andthisisn’tevenherfight.
SheshouldbebackatCornellgradingpapers.”

Andreasrumbledsomethingelsebutsubsided.NicoleanedandbrushedhislipsoverPatricia’scheek.
“Thisisn’tyourfight,either.”

“Itis,inaway.”

“No,youcouldhavehandedmetheinformationandturnedyourback.Orcalledthepolicewhenyou
foundmeinyourstore.Orkickedmeoutwithoutdoingadamnthing.”

Patriciaknewshecouldn’thave.She’dbeendrawntoNicothemomentshe’dseenhimlyingonthefloor
ofherantiquesstore,spellornospell.Allsheknewwasthatshewantedtotaketheslavechainfrom
aroundhisneckandseeifwhathefeltforherwasrealornot.Ifitwasn’t...

She’dcrossthatheartbreakwhenshegottoit.

Ontheothersideoftheroom,Rebecca’svoiceroseindistress.“You’vegottobekiddingme.”

Andreaswasnexttoherbeforeshefinishedthesentence.Thecuratoronlygrinned.“Iadorehow
Americanstalk.Ihearitonthetelly,butit’snotthesame,isit?”

“What’swrong?”Patriciaasked.

Rebecca’seyessparkled,theyoungwomanangryenoughtoforgethershyness.“Hesaystheowner
returnedthefragmentstotheEgyptianMuseum.Youknow,theoneinCairo.InEgypt.”

“Well,theyweren’tours,werethey?”thecuratorsaid,hisgrinstillinplace.“Thestoneswerelooted
earlyinthenineteenthcenturybytreasurehunters.OnethingMr.Greeleyintendstodoissendstolen
artifactsbackwheretheybelong.He’sallforreturningtheRosettaStone.”

Rebeccamadeafrustratednoise.“Ijustwishhe’dwaitedalittlelongertobesogracious.Areyou
certainthefragmentswentbacktoCairo?”

“Havethereceiptandeverything.Ihelpedpackthem.”

“Whywouldtheywantthemback,whentheysoldthethirdonetodealers?”Rebeccademanded.

“Whoknows,love?Thingsgobackandforth,roundandround,orgomissinglikesomanythingsdidin
thewar.HadagoodchatwiththeEgyptianarchaeologistwhocametoretrieveit.Nicefellow.”

“Doyouhappentohavethenicefellow’snameandphonenumber?”Patriciaasked.

“Ido.Andhise-mail.Hangon,I’llgetthemboth.”

Theyoungmanwassohelpful,Patriciadidn’thavethehearttobeangryathim,thoughbothAndreasand
Nicowaitedinstonysilence.

TheytookthephonenumberofthearchaeologistandthemuseuminCairofromthecurator,declined
severalmoreoffersoftea,andlefthimalonewithhistreasures.

“NOWwhat?”

Rebeccaaskedthequestionfromthemiddleofthesuite’ssittingroom,herhandsclenched.Sheworeher
shapelesspantsandshirtandsneakers,asdowdyasthefirstdaythey’dmether.

Andreaswasangryandrestlessaswell,butstrangely,Nicoonlyleanedquietlyonthewindowsill.

“WegotoCairo,”Patriciasaid.“We’vecomethisfar.Whynot?”

“Ican’tgotoCairo.Ihaveclassestoteach.I’mnotsupposedtogotoEgyptuntilDecember.”

“Thinkofitasajumpstartonyourresearch,”Patriciasuggested.

Rebeccafrownedatherbutstoppedsnarling.Sheknew,asPatriciaknew,thatthey’dgo,andthatwas
that.Arguingwasaformality.

“Neitherofyouaregoing,”Nicosaidquietly.Heremainedwherehewas,buthisnight-darkeyes
glittered.“You’llreturnhome.You’vedoneenough.”

PatriciaexpectedAndreastosnapsomethingathim,butsurprisingly,hekeptsilent.

“Youtwotalkedaboutthis,”Patriciasaid,suddenlyunderstandingthesignals.

“Wedid,”Nicoanswered.“Andwedecidedthatifthingsdidn’tworkouthere,youtwowereoutofit.
Youhaveyourownlives,andwe’renotpartofthem.”

“Youarenow,”Patriciasaid.

Nicoshookhishead.Shesensedtroubledemotiondeepinsidehim.“Wedraggedyouintothisanddidn’t
trytostopourselves.Wediscoveredtheinscriptioninthefirstplace.We’lltakeitfromhere.”

“Andwho’sgoingtotranslateitforyou?”Rebeccademanded,handsonhips.

“I’msurewecanfindsomeoneinCairo.Theyhaveexperts,too.”

“Andleaveusbehind?”Patriciaasked.

“TheDyonswillfollowus,notyou.Theyhaven’tattackedushere,becausetheysensedLondonhadno
answersforus.ButiftheanswerisinCairo,they’llbethere.You’vegivenusenoughtohelp;it’stimeto
backoff.”

“Screwthat,”Rebeccasaidvehemently.“Youcan’tseriouslythinkI’dgetthisclosetoananswerand
abandonitbeforeIknowwhatitis?I’dgocrazy.”

Andreas’slipcurled.“Ithoughtyouhadclassestoteach.”

“Ido,butIcantakeaweekoff.TellthemI’monahotleadonalostartifact;peoplelikethat.”

“Ihavetoagreewithher,”Patriciasaid.“Iwanttoknow,too.”

“No.”Nicorose,rageblazing.ThedangeroussparkinhiseyesgavePatriciaaglimpseofthedemigod
inside,theimmortalbeingwithplentyofpower.“It’stoodamndangerous.TheDyonscouldkillyou.I’m
notabouttoletyoudiebecauseyouwantedtosatisfyyourcuriosity.Gothehellhome,Patricia.”

“Likeagoodlittlegirl?”Patriciaasked,wide-eyed.“IfRebeccaandIwanttogotoCairotogether,we
can.Wehavepassportsandmoney,andwe’regrownwomen.”

Andreas’seyesflaredwithheat.“Whydon’tweshowthemhowwedealwithdisobedience?”

PatriciasawNico’sarousalexpandinsidehisjeansevenwhenhiseyesstillheldanger.“Spankings,you
mean?Idon’tknow.Itmightbetoomuchfun.”

Patricia’sthroatwentdry.TheeasiestwayforNicoandAndreastoturnanargumentintheirfavorwas
withsex.IfNicotiedPatriciawiththesilkscarveshelikedtousedandspankedherbareass...

Sherippedherthoughtsfromthatdelightfulpath.Whathe’dlikelydowassubdueherwithsexualplay,
andthenwhenshewassoundasleep,heandAndreascouldslipaway,leavingherandRebeccahighand
dry.

Nowayinhellwouldsheletthathappen.Shehadtokeepcontrolhere...somehow.

SheslantedRebeccaalook.“Howaboutweshowthemjusthowgrown-upweare?”

Rebeccagaveherapuzzledlook.“What?Oh,youmean...”

PatriciacaughtherarmanddraggedherintotheirbedroombeforeshecouldblurtoutwhatPatriciahadin
mind.Theyhadn’tmodeledtheirnewclothesyet;Patriciahadintendedtokeeptheclothesforasurprise,
perhapsacelebratorydinnerout,butitlookedlikecelebrationswouldbealongtimecoming.

PatriciaclosedthedooronAndreas’soutragedexpressionandlockedit.ThensheandRebeccabrought
outtheirnewclothesandchangedintothem,ruiningherdeclarationthattheyweremature,adultwomen
bygigglingthroughthewholeprocedure.

Patriciaadmittedtoherselfthatsheenjoyedgettingprettyforaman.Shehadn’tforsolongthatshe’d
forgottenhowgooditfelttoslipintoslinkyclothesandputonalittlemakeup.ShemadeRebeccawear
some,too.

Whiletheyadmiredthemselvesinthemirror,RebeccaunbentsofarastohugPatriciaandplantakisson
hercheek.“Thankyou.”

“Forthemakeup?”PatriciasteppedbackandrubbedoffthelipstickRebeccaleftonhercheek.“Itwasn’t
much.”

“Imeanformakingmedothis.IneverthinkaboutwhatI’mwearing,becausemymindisonsomany
otherthings.Idon’trealize.”Shegaveherselfabigsmileinthemirror.“You’vemademepretty.”

“Youwerealreadypretty.Therightclothesbringitout,that’sall.Nowlet’sseeifwecanmaketheireyes
pop.”

Nico’sandAndreas’seyesstayedintactwhenPatriciaandRebeccawalkedbackin,butbothmenwent
still.Nico’sgazerovedoverPatricia,andsodidAndreas’s,thenAndreas’sgazewaspulledtoRebecca.

“Don’tdothistome,”hemuttered.

Patriciasmiledatthemboth,whileRebeccablushed,unusedtotheattention.

“So,whilewe’restillinLondon,”Patriciasaid,“whydon’tyoutaketwosexygirlsoutonthetown?”

INspiteofhisfrustrationandanger,NicolikedthefeelofPatricia’swaistunderhishandasthey
wanderedtheLondonstreets,decidingwhichclubthey’dtry.Shewasabsolutelybeautifulandsexy,and
ifhedidn’tgetfreeofher,he’dspiraldownintomindlessslaveryuntilonewordfromher,nomatterwhat
itwas,wouldbeenoughtosatehim,andakickwouldbeacaress.

Hecouldalreadyfeelithappening,theneedtopleasehermoreandmore,nomatterwhathewanted.And
ashemiredindesperateneed,she’dbecomemoreandmoreindifferent,untilsheshovedhimawayin

disgust.

Hewouldbelefthumiliatedandbroken,indespairandheartbreak,andhe’dhearHera’slaughter.He’d
recoverslowly,painfully,maybetakingyears,untilhewascaughtinanotherwoman’snet,andthesame
thinghappenedagain.

WithPatricia,heknew,itwouldhurtmorethaniteverhadbefore.Somethingelselaybehindthe
compulsionofthecurse,somethinghe’dneverfeltinhislonglife.Hedidn’tunderstandit,butheknewit
woulddevastatehimallthemore.

TheyfinallyfoundaclubthatmetwithAndreas’sapprovalandgotthemselvesinside,immediatelyhitting
thedancefloor.PatriciasmiledupatNicoandtwinedherarmsaroundhisneck.Shethoughthertightred
skirtandblacksweatermadehersexy,anditdid,buthewasdyingtotellherthatsexinessradiatedfrom
herwhethersheworeadesignerdressorsloppyjeans.

Helovedthatshe’ddressedherselfupforhim,andthattheskirtlethishandslidesmoothlyoverher
backsideastheydanced.Nearby,AndreasshowedRebeccahowtodance,sherockingawkwardlyonher
newhighheels.

PatricialaughedupatNicoandkissedhim,herlipswarmandsoft.Hewasinfartoodeepwithher,and
heknewit.

Thesongcametoanend,buttheydancedthroughanother,andthenanother,thenthefourbrokeoffand
soughtthebar.PatriciadeclaredtheneedtovisitthebathroomandgrabbedRebeccatodragheroff.
Rebeccalookedconfusedandsaidshedidn’tneedtogo.

“No,we’resupposedtogotogether.”Patricialaughedather.“Sowecantalkaboutthem.”

“Weare?”RebeccastilllookedconfusedbutallowedPatriciatotowheracrossthefloortothecrowded
doorwayofthewomen’spowderroom.

NicoandAndreasordereddrinksforthemselvesandtheladiesandslidontochairswhiletheywaited.It
wastooloudtotalk,butNicohadnothingmuchtosay.

HenotedtheinterestedglancesotherwomenthrewathimandAndreas,buthedidn’tregretnotbeingable
toreturnthem.HisbondtoPatriciawasstrongandstrengtheningeveryday.Andreas,hecouldtell,was
feelingpulledbyRebecca’sinterest,despitehisthree-wayplaywithNicoandPatricia.

HeandAndreasneverknewwhatbizarretwiststhecursewouldtake,theirbedactivitiesdictatedbythe
whimsofthewomentheywerelockedto.Itwastedious—usually.ThistimeNicowaslovingittoomuch.

“They’vebeenintherealongtime,”AndreassaidintoNico’sear.They’dfinishedtheirbeers,andtheice
wasmeltinginthewomen’sdrinks.

Nicoknewwomencouldlingerinrestrooms,primpingor,asPatriciasaid,discussingtheirmen,buta
feelingofuneasewentthroughhim.

“Let’sfindthem.”

Andreasnoddedonce.Theystrodethroughthecrowd,dancersmeltingoutoftheirpath.Thecrowd

aroundthewomen’sbathroomhadgone,leavingthedoorclosedandominous.

Nicostrodeinwithoutcompunction.Theroomwasempty,silentexceptforthetricklingofwaterflowing
unheededintoonesink.

Nicosnappedoffthetap,whileAndreascheckedthestalls,everyoneofthemempty.Hesniffedtheair,
hisnosemoresensitivetoscentthanNico’s.ButNicoknewevenbeforeAndreassaidit,andhisblood
burned.

“Dyons.”

Asquarewindowatthebackoftheroomwaswide-open.Itledtoanalley,withasmalldroptothe
pavement,buttherewaslittledoubttheDyonshadtakenthemoutthatway.

“They’restillalive,”Nicosaid.HisbondtoPatriciahaddefinitelynotbroken.

“Iknow,”Andreassaidgrimly.

Nicopushedpasthimandclimbedthroughthewindow,andAndreasfollowed.

13

THEtapearoundPatricia’swristswaspainfullytight,aswastheducttapeacrosshereyesandmouth.
ShefeltRebecca’swarmthnearher,heardtheyoungwoman’squickbreathing.

HerpsychicsensestoldhertheDyonsstoodaroundthem.Twoofthemhadburstintothebathroomwhere
sheandRebeccahadbeenlaughingandrenewingtheirlipstickliketheteenagegirlsthey’dbothsomehow
missedbeing.

NeitherhadbeentheoneMrs.PenworthhadshotortheonefromtheBandBinIthaca,buttheyhadthe
samewhitehair,strangesnakelikeeyes,hissingvoices,andhideousstrength.They’doverwhelmedthe
twowomenanddraggedthemthroughthewindow,throughanalley,andintoacar,whereathirdDyon
waited.

Patriciahadnoideawheretheywere,thankstothemakeshiftblindfolds.PatriciaknewLondonfairly
well,havinghadtolocateobscuredealersandgalleriesinhercapacityasanantiquesbuyer,butlying
blindfoldedinthebackofacardidn’thelphergetherbearings.

Fortunately,ablindfoldmeantnothingtoherpsychicsenses.Thevibrationsfromtheplacetheywerein
werethick,layersuponlayersofthem.Thatmeantthebuildingwasold,whichmeanttheinnercity,nota
newsuburbandevelopment.Itdidn’thelpmuch,becausetheycouldn’tbetoofarfromtheclubinHigh
Holborn,andthispartofLondonwashundredsofyearsold.

Patriciacouldtellevenwithoutherpsychicabilitythattheroomwasnotverybig,anditwas
underground,likeacellar.Theairwasdank,thewallsnotsealedagainsttheweather,andthefloorwas
cold,hardstone.

NexttoherRebeccajerkedandgavealittlecry,andamomentlater,thetapewasrippedfromPatricia’s
eyesandmouth,takingskinwithit.OneoftheDyons,shorterthantheothertwo,heldupasheafof
papers.“Wherearetherest?”

Rebeccahalfsatup.“Hey,wheredidyougetthat?Ilefteverythinginmybriefcase,youthievingshit.”

“Obviouslytheywentthroughourrooms,”Patriciasaid,hermouthdryfromthetape.“Whilewewereout
enjoyingourselves.”

“Thisisnotallofit,”theDyonsaidinhishissingvoice.“Whereistherest?”

Rebeccascowled.“Wouldn’tyouliketoknow?”

Patricialeanedtoher.“Maybeweshouldpretendtohelp.”

“Oh,please.I’vefacedarchaeologyprofsandcustomsofficialstougherthanhim.Remindmetotellyou
aboutthedragonladyfromhellwhowasmydissertationadvisor.”

“Archaeologyprofsaren’tsupernaturalminionsofavengefulgoddess,”Patriciapointedout.

“Wanttobet?”

“You’regivingyourselfaway,youknow,”PatriciasaidtotheDyon.“Ifweweren’tclosetoananswer,

youwouldn’tbotherwithus.”

TheDyon’sslittedeyesblinkedonce,butnoemotionemanatedfromhim.“Whereistherest?”he
repeated.

“Howdoyouknowthatisn’teverything?”Rebeccaasked,soundinginnocent.

TheDyonslammedthepaperstothefloor.OneoftheothersbroughtoutamatchbookfromtheclubNico
andAndreashadtakenthemto.Silently,theDyonlitamatch,caughttheentirematchbookalight,and
droppeditontothepapers.

Rebeccawailed,andPatricia’sheartsank.“Youbastard,”Rebeccayelled.“Doyouknowhowmany
hoursIworkedonthat?HowmuchsleepIlostforit?”

Patriciawatchedasthephotographsoftheostraconburnedtoblackenedcurls.Theoriginalwasbackin
NewYork,farfromhere.ShewonderediftheDyonshadgonebacktoMrs.Penworth’sapartmentand
destroyedit,andifMrs.Penworthwasallright.

TheleadDyonkickedasidetheashesandliftedRebeccabytheshirt.Shekickedathim,buttheDyon
flunghertotheflooragainandrippedhertopopen.Hethrusthishandinside,nottogropeher,Patricia
saw,buttocheckifshe’dhiddenanypapersthere.

Rebeccascreamedandbithim.Patriciatriedtorolltohertohelpfighthimoff,butasecondDyonhauled
Patriciatoherfeetandheldherback.Shesawthenatableladenwithvariousimplementsforslicing,and
realizedwhattheDyonshadinmind.ConvenientthatLondonwassituatedonalargeriver.

Patriciaredoubledherefforts,havingnodesiretobecomefishfood.TheDyonsdidn’tseemtomindthat
thetwoofthemscreamedtheirheadsoff,sothisareamustberelativelydeserted.Nothelpful.

Patriciawasnotatelepath;shecouldn’treadmindsorprojectherthoughtsintootherminds,andsoshe
couldn’tbroadcastadistresssignaloranything.AllshecoulddowasfighttheDyonwhoheldherand
watchasRebeccawasdraggedbytheothertwotowardthetable,herclothesinshreds.

“Howaboutifwetakeyoutotherestofhertranslation,”Patriciapanted.

TheleadDyonturnedtoher,hissnakelikeeyesflaring.“Tellmewhereitis,andwewillspareyour
lives.”

“Sure,Ibelieveyou.We’lltellyouwhenwegetthere.”

Rebeccaglared,butPatriciacouldn’tconveyherplan.Notthatshehadaplan.ButiftheDyonstookthem
outtothestreet,theymighthavemoreofachancetogetawayortoattractenoughattentiontobringhelp.

TheleadDyoncametoPatricia.Hegrabbedherhairandyankedherheadback,bathingherwithhisfoul
breath.“Tellme,andIwillsparetheotherone.Don’ttellme,andshedies.”

PatriciaswallowedasthethirdDyonheldathick-bladedknifeatRebecca’sthroat.Herbreastshung
exposed,butsheglaredinfury,moreenragedthanafraid.

PatriciahadnoideawhereRebeccahadputtherestofhernotes,soshe’dhavetoimprovise.Shewether

lips,butbeforeshecouldspeak,theincredibleauraofademigodbrushedherstretchedpsychicsenses.

“Nico!”shescreamed.

Halfthewallsplinteredinwardasawoodendoorflewoffitshinges.Nicosailedinonaspreadofblack
wings,hisbodysurroundedbyblindinglight.

TwoDyonswentdownwithNicoontopofthem,thethirdbowledoverbytheleopardthatcamecharging
in.PatriciasprangoutofthewayandshieldedRebeccathebestshecouldwithherwristsstilltaped.
Rebeccawasshaking,tearsofangerandfearrollingdownherface.

Afterabriefbutnastyfight,theDyonsdissipatedintosmoke,thenthefeatheredwhirlwindthatwasNico
stoppedinfrontofPatricia.Shecringedfromtheincrediblepowersurroundinghim,unabletolook
directlyatthelight.She’dsnappedherpsychicshieldsintoplacetheinstantheandAndreashadburstin,
butthelightstillblindedher.

Shewatchedhimdeliberatelysuppresshisdivinity.Nico’sformsolidifiedintothetallandstrongman
withblack,featherywingsthatPatricialoved.Hisfacelostitsterriblepower,returningtothesinful
handsomenessofNico,buthisdarkeyesretainedsomethinggrimandhard.

“Nico?”Patriciafelttearsstartinherowneyes,thenNico’swarmwingsweresurroundingherand
Rebecca,protectingandcomforting.PatriciarestedagainstthewarmstrengthofNico’sbody,feeling
safe.

Andreastheleopardstretched,shookhimself,andbecameAndreastheman,starknakedandunashamed.
HesurveyedtheroomandPatriciaandRebeccaclingingtoNico.

“Don’tIgetahug?”heasked.

“No.”Rebeccascrubbedtearsfromherface.“Youtooktoolonggettinghere.Theyburnedmynotes!”

“ButIsavedyourlife,”Andreasargued.

Rebeccawasfargoneinreliefandhysteria.“Nevermindmylife;theseweremynotes.TheonlyrecordI
hadofyourdamninscription.Ispentsomanyhours—”

“Butyouhavemore,”PatriciasaidfromNico’sembrace.“YouhavewhattheDyonswerelookingfor.”

“Thereisn’tanymore.Iwasn’tfinishedwritingitalldown;theonlytranslationIhaveisinhere.”
Rebeccajabbedthesideofherhead.

“Oh.”Patriciashivered.“I’mgladIdidn’tknowthat.”

AndreasreachedforRebecca,butshespunawayfromhim.“Don’ttouchme,”sheshrieked.“Andfor
God’ssake,findsomeclothes.”

PATRICIAlaywithNicointheirbedinthehotelsuite,warmfromabathandrelaxedwithbrandy,butshe
stillcouldn’tbringherselftosleep.Shewasn’tsurewhathadfrightenedhermore:theDyonsreadyto
snuffoutherandRebeccawithasmuchindifferenceastheywouldabug,orseeingthedivinebeingthat
wasNico.

Shecouldpretendallshewantedthathewasasexyhumanmale,evenonewithwingswhodelightedin
givingherpleasure,butsheknewshe’dneverseentherealNico.Nikolaus,sonofDionysus,Andreashad
said.Halfgod,theotherhalfnotevenhuman.

Hewasabeingshecouldn’tcomprehend,boundintohishumanlikeformandenslavedtoPatricia.She
couldn’tpretendarounditanymore.Itwasalltoobizarre.

She’dtuckedRebeccaintobedaftermakinghertakeasleepingpillfetchedfromanearbychemist’sshop.
Rebeccahadbeenshakingandcurledinonherselfduringtheirdrivetothehotel,thetraumaoftheir
ordealfinallytakinghold.AndreashadwrappedRebeccainablanket,hismovementsalmosttender.

Upontheirreturn,theyfoundthattheirroomshadbeensearched,theirbelongingsdumpedinapileinthe
sittingroom,andRebecca’slaptopsmashedtopieces.PatriciahadgottenRebeccatobedandhelped
Nicocleanup,Andreaswaltzingoutwithnowordofwherehewasgoing,probablyofftolookformore
Dyons.

NicohadcarriedPatriciahalfasleepintothebathroomanddepositedherunderahotshower,thenfedher
brandyandcurledupnexttoherinbed.Hehadn’ttriedanythingsexual,asthoughknowingthatwhatshe
needednowwasjusttobeheld.

Asthewindowwentgraywithdawn,Patriciafinallyspoke.“Howdidyoufindus?”

Nicolaywithhisheadonhisbentarm,hisstronghandonPatricia’sabdomen.“Throughthescent,”he
said.“Dyonssmell.”

“Theydroveusthroughalotofstreets.Howdidyoutrackus?”

Nico’ssmiledidn’treachhiseyes.“Theyreallystink.”

“Ididn’tnoticeanyparticularstench.”

“Youwouldn’t.They’refoulbeings,madefromtheclayofHades;thesmellofdeathclingstothem.It’s
howAndreasandIknewtheDyonhadcometoyourstoreinManhattan.”

“Wheredotheygowhentheyevaporate?Ordissipate,orwhateveritistheydo.”

Nicoshrugged.“Totellyouthetruth,Idon’treallyknow.BacktoHera,backtotheunderworld,Idon’t
know.Idon’tmuchcare.Theydieorareatleastreducedtothemudfromwhencetheycame.”

Patriciashivered.“Whycouldn’tyousmellthemtonight,attheclub?”

Hewassilentalongtime,andwhenPatricialookedupathim,hiseyesheldshameandanger.“We
weren’tpayingenoughattention.Iwasdistractedbythecrowdandsmokeandsmellsofhumanity—and
yourscent.”

“AreyousayingIstink,too?”

Hesmiledagain,butagainwithoutwarmth.“Yourpheromoneswerestrong,andIcouldn’tthinkof
anythingbutyou.”Hestrokedherhair.“Itwasn’tonlytheDyonsIcouldtrack;itwasyou.Icanfeelyou;
I’mboundtoyou.I’mforyourpleasurebutalsoyourprotection.Iwon’tletanythinghappentoyou.”

“Partofthecurse?”

“Agoodpart,”hewhisperedagainstthesoftnessofherhair.“Averygoodpart.Iknowyou’restill
scared.Letmesoothethatfromyou.”

Thepointsofhiswingtattoomovedintheshadowsofhisshoulders,andshetracedwherethebottomof
thetattoobrushedhisbackside.

“Canwemakelove?”Patriciawhisperedagainsthismouth.Sheshiedawayfromthewordfuck,wanting
somethingthatsoundedintimateandnotjustaphysicalact.“Whyhaven’tyoudonethatyet?Icraveyou.”

“Tomakeitallthesweeter,”hewhisperedinhisflirtatiousvoice.

Somethingflickeredinhiseyes,buthelookedawaybeforeshecouldreadit.Shetookhisfacebetween
herhands.

“Bull.YoutoldmeithurtyoutonottakemewhenIwantedit.You’vebeenholdinginthepain,haven’t
you?”

“Maybe.”

“Whywouldyoudothat?”

Nicokeptstrokingherhair,hisfingerssoothing.“Idon’twantittoendtoosoon.Iwantthisparttogoon
longer,youwantingme,younothavingenoughofme.I’mdreadingtheboredominyoureyes.”

“Icouldneverbeboredwithyou.”

Hisgazewasneutral.“Youwon’tbeabletohelpit.AllIcandoissavoryouwhileIhavethechance.”

“Andreasdoesn’tseemtoworryaboutitmuch.”

“Andreasisn’tpulledtoyouasIam;hehasn’tbondedtoyou,becauseyoudidn’twanthimasmuchas
youwantedme.I’mflattered.”

“OfcourseIwantedyou.HowcouldIhelpit?”

Heshrugged.“Youhappenedtoseemefirst.”

“ImetAndreasnotlongafterthat.Irememberyouprotectedmefromhim.Ilikedthat.”

“Iconsideryoumine.I’mtiedtoyou,butIgetveryprotective,verypossessive.Ican’thelpit.”

Patriciakissedhim,lovinghowwarmhislipswere.“Idon’tmind.”

“Youmightmindlater.”

Sheframedhisfaceinherhandsagain.“Nico.Thisisnow,notlater.Iwanttomakelovetoyou.I’ve
beendyingtohaveyouinsideme.Please.”

Hiseyesdarkened,poolsofnight.“Doyouwantitrough?”heasked.“Orsweet?”

Herpulsefluttered.“CanIhavealittleofboth?”

“Youcanhavewhateveryouwant.DoyouwantmetofindAndreas?”

“No,”shesaidquickly.

Hestudiedher,hiseyeshintingatthepowershe’dspiedearlierthatnight.“Iknowwhatyoutrulywant,
Patricia.Icanfeelit.”

Heslidhishandbetweenherlegs,hisfingersfindingwetness.Sheswallowedagroan,notwantingto
cometoofast.Shewantedhimtobeinsideherwhenshedid.

“Youwanttwococks,don’tyou?”hewhispered.“Bothofusinyouatonce?”

“Icouldn’t...”

“Youcouldifyouwantedit.Withme,youcanhaveanythingyouwant.I’mademigod;I’mgoodat
grantingwishes.”

“Ijustwantyou.”

“Fornow.”Heslantedhismouthacrosshers,histonguewetandhot.“Fornowitwilljustbeme.Spread
yourlegs.”

Sheobedientlypartedthem,expectinghimtoclimbontopofherandsliderightinside.Instead,hestroked
her,thumbsplayingoverheropening.

“Iloveyourhair,”hesaid,fingerscirclinginthecurls.“Blondallover.Ilikethatyoudon’tshave.”

“Idon’twanttoitch.”

“Mysweet,practicalPatricia.”

“DoyouthinkitwouldbesexierifIdid?”

Hekissedhersoftly.“No.Iliketorubmytongueinit.Ilikefeelingitagainstmyfingers.”

“Good.”

Hisfingerswerecertainlydoingdelightfulthings.Heknewhowtoeasilybringhertoreadiness,howto
softenherforanythinghewanted.Herbodyrespondedquicklytohim,alreadyknowingtotrusthim.

Whenthetipofhishardstaffnudgedheropening,shetensed.She’dhadhisfingersandtongueinsideher,
buthiscockwashugeandthick,andshewasn’tsureifshecouldtakeit.

“Shh.”Hesoothedherwithlipsandfingers,hiswingsslidingouttocaresshertoquietness.Herlimbs
feltheavybutexcitedatthesametime,andherhipsbegantolift.

“That’sit,love,”hemurmured,andthenheslidhalfwayinsideher.

Thefeelingwasexplosive.Shewantedtospreadherlegs,wider,wider,wantinghimsqueezinginside
her.

Hewentmaddeninglyslowly,asmallinchatatime,thoughshewassowetandslickshewonderedthat
hedidn’tsliderightin.

“Thereisalotofme,”hesaid,asthoughreadinghermind.

“Iwantyou,”shebegged.“Iwantitall.”

Hetookhisweightonhishands,hisbigbodybetweenherspreadlegs,hisfeatherswarmandsilky.
“Closeyoureyes,”hewhispered.

“No,Iwanttoseeyou.”

Hekissedhereyelids,closingeachone.Shefeltawarmth,thenabriefburning,andthenhewasinside
her,fillinghersofull.

Hewashugeandstretchingher,anditfeltsodamngood.Shehadn’thadsexinalongtime,andsheknew
whyhewantedtotakeitslow.Hewasbiggerthananythingshe’deverfelt.

Sheopenedhereyestofindhimstaringather,hisdarkeyesfathomless.He’dofferedtomakeitsweetor
rough,andshewonderedwhichonethiswas.Hishardnesswasopeningherwiderthanshe’deverbeen,
butatthesametime,thedarkheatfilledhertenderly.

Thatwasnothingtothesensationwhenheslidpartwayoutandallthewaybackinagain.

“Didyoudoyourspelltomufflethesoundagain?”shegasped.

“Yes.”

“Good,becauseIamgoingtoscreamsoloud.”

“Doit.”Hisvoicethrobbedwithlonging.“Screamforme,Patricia.”

Hepumpedheragain,ahardinandout.Sheopenedhermouthinalongmoan.

“Yes,love,”hesaid.“Feelmefuckingyou.”

“Ifeelit.Youfuckingme.Iloveit.”

Heclosedhismouthovermorewords,andheshiftedhishipsbackandforth,slidinghisenormouscock
inandoutofher.Hespedup,thefrictioninherquimgettingfasterandfaster,thewarmthturningto
unbearableheat.

Nicosnakedafewfeathersbetweenthem,lettingthemtickleherclitashislovingwentonandon.

“Comewithme,”shegasped.

“Yes.”

Hiswhisperwaslikethenight,herdarkgod-manwhomadeherfeelcrazyandhappy.Sheknewshe
lovedhim,andshewantedthatlovetobereal,nomatterhowmanyDyonsshehadtofightofftomakeit
so.

Shefeltherselfbuilding,theblacksurgecomingtowardher.Nicokeptpumping,hardandstrong.

ShetriedtoshoutIloveyou,butherclimaxgrabbedherandtookheroverthetop,andherwordstrailed
offincoherently.Nicokeptondrivingintoher,hisbigbodysweating,hismusclesworkinginsilence.

Justasshehitthetopofherclimax,Nicogroanedoutloud,andhisseedfilledher.Itscaldedeveryinch
insideher,ademigod’ssemeninherbody.Shewonderedforagiddyinstantifshecouldconceivefrom
him,andawildhopeblossomedinsideher.

Histhrustsbecamefranticallyfast,hiscontrolsnapping,thenhewounddownuntilhewasrestingonher,
panting,hiscockstillinsideher.

Shestrokedhishair,soothinghim,feelingcleansedandbeautiful.Shekissedhistempleandsaidintohis
skin,“Iloveyou.”

Sheregrettedthewordsinthenextinstant,becauseheliftedhisheadandgaveheralooksoanguishedit
wasasthoughallthepainintheworldhadcometosettleinhiseyes.

14

PATRICIAswamtowakefulness,smilingwhenshefeltNico’sfeatherscradlingherbody.Hiseyeswere
closed,hisdarkhairfallingoverhisface.They’dmadelovetwicemoreafterthefirsttime,andNicohad
broughtoutsomelubetomakethingsevenslickerandhotter.

Sherememberedstupidlytellinghimshelovedhimafterthefirsttime,butshedidnotwanttotakethe
wordsback.Evenifthefeelingsdidn’tturnouttobereal,theywererealenoughnow.

ShetouchedNico’sface,lovingthestrengthofhim.Hedidn’twake,didn’tevenstirinhissleep.His
bodywasrelaxed,wingsstill,featherswarm.

Sheheardagrowl.“Nice.”

PatricialookeduptoseeAndreasstandingoverthem,gazingatthepairoftheminapproval.Hewas
dressedinjeans,hishairwetasthoughhe’djustfinishedashower.Hesmelledofsoapandshampoo,and
hisfeetwerebare.

Nico’seyesslidopen,buthesaidnothinganddidn’tmove.AndreaslaidhishandonPatricia’sankle,
thensmoothedhiswayupherlegtoherthigh.

“Whatareyoudoing?”shecroaked.

Andreas’sgrinwidened.“Whatyouwantmetodo.”

“Idon’twantyoutodoanything.IthoughtyouwereoutlookingforDyons.”

Andreasparkedhimselfontheedgeofthebedandrestedhishandonhersheet-coveredhip.“Patricia,I
wouldn’tbehereifyoudidn’twantit.”Hetouchedthechainaroundhisneck.“Youstartwantingme,I
respond.That’sthewayitworks.”

PatriciarememberedNico’slookashewovehisfingerstogether.“Tangled,”he’dsaid.

Nicolayquietlybesideher,hisarmheavyonherabdomen,waitingtoseewhatshe’ddo.

“Thesolutionissimple,”shesaidtoAndreas.“I’lltellyoutogoaway.Ifyouhavetobemyslave,then
thisiswhatI’llaskfor:youinanotherroom.”

“Itdoesn’tworkquitethatway.Youcravethegreatestpleasure.NowIcravetogiveittoyou.Youcan’t
tellmeyouhaven’tbeenlookingatmeandwantingmeinsideyou.”

Patriciawantedtodenyhisaccusation,totellhimtogetout,butshefellsilent.Sheknewshe’dbeen
fantasizing,inthebackofhermind,abouthimdoingmoretoher.Nicohadtoldherthatlastnight.

“Idon’tknowwhatIreallywant.”SheproppedherselfuponherelbowandlookedatAndreas.“Idon’t
know.”

“Goahead,Patricia.”Nicosaidfrombesideher.“Thisiswhatwe’reherefor.Toindulgeyourfantasies.”
Hiseyeswerewarm.

“ImeantwhatIsaidbefore.ThatI—”

Nico’sfingeronherlipsstoppedthewords.“Thisisn’taboutwhatyousaidbefore.ThisiswhatIam
herefor,whyI’mboundtoyou.”Hesmiledalittle.“I’mnotworriedyou’regoingtorunoffwithhimor
anything.”

“Helikestoinsultme,”Andreassaid.“Hethinkshe’ssosubtleIdon’tunderstand.”

Nicoignoredhim.HestrokedPatricia’shair,waitingforhertomakeherdecision.Somethingstirredin
herbelly,adarkexcitementshe’dneverexperienced.

“Damn,”shewhispered.

Sheloweredthesheetfromherbody.Andreasgrinned,hissmilehotandwide.Hestoodupandshoved
offhispants,revealinghistall,nakedbodyandveryneedycock.

Nico’sexpressionremainedcontrolled,butshesensedhisgrowingexcitement.

“Letmeseeyou,too,”shebegged.

Withoutchangingexpression,Nicoshovedtherestofthecoversfromthebed,revealinghisstrong,thick
cockstandingupfromathatchofblackhair.

Andreas’swasalittlelongerandalittlelessthick,hishairdark.Heheldhimself,liftingtoher,showing
offforher.

HecaughtupthelubeNicohadleftonthenightstandandsqueezedabitintohishand.Herubbeditonhis
erection,strokingupanddownuntilheglistenedandgleamed.

HepouredmoreonhisfingersandgentlyrolledPatriciaontoherstomach.Shehuggedthepillow,her
faceinthewarmthoftheblankets.Airhissedthroughherteethwhenshefeltthecoolofthelubeagainst
heranalstar.

“Youeverdonethisbefore?”Andreasasked.

“Notthat.”

Nicochuckled.“Well,there’safirsttimeforeverything.”

Andreas’sskilledfingerssmearedthelubeoverherstar,thenbegantopresshergently,relaxingher.
Patriciahadneverhadanyonetouchhertherebefore,andshehadnoideawhattodo.

Nicogotoutofbedandcamearoundtostandbesideher.“Lookatme,”hetoldher.“Enjoylookingatme
andlethimgetyouready.”

ShedidenjoylookingatNico,andthisviewwasparticularlynice.Hishaircurledcrisplyatthebaseof
hispenis,theorganjuttingoutdarkanddullred.Shelovedit.

Shefeltherselfrelaxandopen,thenAndreasslowlyslidafingerinside.

Shegaspedandtensed,butasheworkedhisfingeraround,shesuddenlygrewwarmallover.Shefound

herselfrelaxing,feelingherselfopeningtohim.

Andreasdidn’trushher.ShekeptgazingatNico,takinginnotonlyhispenisbutallofhim,atall,
powerfulman.Hishipswerenarrow,histhighsstrong,hishandslargeandsinewy,fingersbrushedwith
wiryblackhair.

“Whynotfeathers?”sheaskedinadreamyvoiceasAndreasfilledherwithasecondfinger.

Nicolookedbemused.“What?”

“Youhavewings.Whydoyouhavehairinsteadoffeathers?”

“BecauseI’monlyhalfawingedcreature.Idon’tevenlooklikethiswhenI’mwiththegodsatOlympus.
ButIcanexistinthehumanworldlikethis,withpartofmyotherworldselfthatIcanhideifIneedto.”

Sherememberedtheincrediblelightthatsurroundedhimwhenhe’drescuedherfromtheDyons,the
divinepowershiningfromhim.Wouldshebeabletoseehistrueformatall,andwouldsheunderstand
thatitwasNico?Shewasn’tsure.Shelikedhimashewas,agorgeousmanwithwings.

Andreas’shandswarmedherbuttocks,squeezingthemgently,thenpartingthem.She’dtakentwoofhis
fingers,andnowshefeltthesoftbluntnessofhiscock.

Shemoaned,sureshecouldn’tdothis.Fingerswereonething,butAndreaswashuge.

“It’sallright,”Nicowhispered.Hebrushedbackherhair,hisfingerswarmandgentle.

BehindherAndreaspushedtheslightestbitin.Hishotweightcoveredherback,hiscocksobigand
pulsingthatshecriedout.

“Shh,”theybothsaidatthesametime.Nicostrokedherhair,andAndreaspressedquietkissestoher
spine.

“Iwantyou.”PatriciareachedforNicoandpulledhimtoherbyhiscock.Hecamewillingly,bumping
histipagainsthermouth.

“That’sit,sweetheart,”Nicobreathed.“SuckmewhileyouletAndreasin.”

Sheresistedonelastinstant,thensuddenlyherbodyrelaxed.NicoslidintohermouthwhileAndreas
enteredherass.

ShegaspedwithjoyandfoundhermouthfullofNico.Shesuckledhim,revelingintheuniquetasteof
him,thefeelingofhispulsebeatingunderhertongue.

Andreasfilledher.HiscockwasjustashugeasNico’s,andsheimaginedherasswelcominghimasmuch
asherquimhadwelcomedNicolastnight.Andreasstretchedandwarmedher,herhipsmovingoftheir
ownaccordtoaccommodatehim.

Andreasleanedtoher,hisarmscomingdownoneithersideofhertoencloseheragainsthisbody.His
chestwasdampwithsweatandhisshower,hishairdrippingtoherback.

Itfeltso...different.Sheshiveredbutwashot,wantedtoscreamandyetwantedtoenjoyinsilence.

ShenearlydidscreamwhenAndreaspumpedonce.

Itfeltasgoodasregularsex,andthenagain,better—no,notbetter,different.Itwaswarmandloving,hot
andexciting.ShewantedtothrustherhipsbackatAndreas,havehimrideherfastandhard,andatthe
sametimeshelovedthefeelofhimsimplyinsideher.

Nicogroanedsoftly,andsherealizedshewassucklinghimwithallhermight.Hishandscurled,one
cominguptoplaywithherhair.

“She’stight,”Andreassaid.“She’ssofuckingdamntight.”

“Doher,”Nicourged.“Pumpher.”

Patriciadidn’tknowwhethertocryyesorno.Andreaslaughed,aferalsound,andsuddenlyhewas
ridingherasshelongedhimto,hiscockslidinginandoutofher,thelubeandhereagernesssmoothing
theway.

Sherealizedalongtimelaterhowmuchhecouldhavehurther.Hewasastrongman,andhecouldhave
takenwhathelikednomatterwhatshefelt.

ButAndreasdidn’t.Heslidinandout,goinghardandfast,butneversohardthathecausedpain.Itwas
delight,nothurt,afeelingoffulfillmentshe’dneverhadinherlife.

Nicopumpedalittleintohermouth.Sheusedherlipsandtongueonhim,wantingtogivehimasmuch
pleasureasshewasgetting.ShelovedhimforlettingAndreasdothis;shelovedhimforgettingexcited
withher.

I’minathreesome,shethought,suddenlywantingtolaugh.Shewantedtoshouthersheerjoyanddelight
thatshe,PatriciaLake,hadtwobeautifulmenmakinglovetoheratthesametime.

Andreasslidhishandbetweenherlegsandpressedhisfingertiptoherclit.Hotliquidpouredoutofher,
wettingherthighsandAndreas’shand.Almostatthesametime,Nicosqueezedhishandsshutand
groanedhisrelease,fillinghermouth.

AndthenAndreas.Heshudderedagainsther,hisseedscalding,fillingherandtricklingfromhertomix
withherownjuices.

“Oh,damn,thatwasgood,”Andreasmoaned.HebitPatricia’sneck,nothard,thenlickedit.

“Didyoulikeit?”NicoaskedPatricia.He’dwithdrawnfromhermouthandwipedherlipscleanwiththe
sheet.

Shetriedtosay,Oh,yes.Let’sdoitagain,please.Please?butshecouldonlymakeanoiseof
exhaustion.ShedroppedontothebedasAndreasslidveryslowlyandcarefullyoutofher.

Nicolaughed.“I’lltakethatasayes.”

Behindher,Andreasstretched,lettingoutagroanofsatisfaction.Hebouncedoffthebed,stillfullof
energy,andpattedherlightlyonthebehind.

“Itoldyou,youhaveagreatass,Patricia.”

Hescoopeduphispants,slidthemon,then,whistling,waltzedoutoftheroom.

“Ishealwayslikethat?”Patriciaaskedsleepily.

“Afraidso.”Nicostrokedherhaironce,thencamearoundthebedandclimbedbackin.

Hiswingsslidacrossher,andsheleanedbackintohim,soinlovewithhimthattearsflowedfromher
eyesandwethercheeks.

REBECCAwoketohearsomeonerunningtheshowerinherbathroom.Weaksunlighttrickledthroughthe
windows,Londoncloudyandfoggy,whichwentwithhermood.Shehatedtakingsleepingpills,because
shealwayswokeupgroggy,andthismorningwasnoexception.

Sheshovedherhairfromhereyesandsatup,memoriesofthenightbeforefloatingtoher.Sheand
Patriciahadsurvivedbeingkidnappedandnearlykilled,butthatwasnotwhatmadeherheartsinktoher
toes.

She’dlosteverybitofthetranslationshe’ddoneontheostraconandthephotographsofthethingitself.
Nottomentionherexpensivelaptopandallhernotesonit.

ShesupposedtheycouldcallthiswomanMrs.Penworthandhavehertakemorephotos,butshehesitated,
notwantingtheDyonstoharmanyoneelseoverthis.

Sherememberedenoughofthestrangeinscriptionthatperhapswhenshesawtheothertwofragmentsof
thetext,everythingwouldmakesense.TheycouldtakephotosofthepiecesandthenvisitMrs.Penworth
againwhentheywentbacktoManhattanandtakeanotherlookatthethird.NicoandAndreascould
protectthemallfromDyonswhileRebeccaworked.

Shethrewbackthecovers,notingshewasinherunderwearandnothingelse.Shevaguelyremembered
peelingoffthetatteredremainsofthegorgeousclothesPatriciahadmadeherwear,andfeltmomentary
grief.She’dbeensexyandpretty,ifonlyforafewhours.Nowshefeltfustyandneededashower.

Theshowerwasrunningfullblastwhensheenteredtheroom,fillingtheroomwithsteamthatfilmedthe
mirrors.She’dexpectedtofindPatricia,butAndreasstoodbehindtheopaqueglassdoortotheshower,
hislargebodynaked,hisheadthrownbackinenjoyment,ashotwaterpouredalloverhim.

ANDREASfeltsomeonelookingathim.Heturnedhishead,wipingwaterfromhiseyes,andsaw
Rebecca,herflyawayhairamess,herhalf-nudebodystill.

Hesmiledatthesametimehefeltthebondbetweenthemsnapintoplace.Goodthinghe’dhadsomuch
funwithPatriciathismorning,becausehewouldn’tbegoingbacktohernow.She’dneverfullyengaged
him;herlongingwasforNico.

ButRebecca’slonginghadtouchedhimmoreandmore,andnowitwascertain.Hefeltthelockaround
hisheartandfeltamixtureofdismayandexcitement.

Heopenedtheshowerdoor,lettingwaterrivuletsrunalloverthefloor.“Comein.”

Shestaredathim,hereyesdullwithinducedsleep,herfacecreasedbythepillow.Andreasreachedout

anddraggedherintotheshower,underwearandall.

Rebeccamadeamuffledshriek.Sheblinkedupathimastheshowergotherpantiessodden.

Andreashookedafingeronthewaistbandanddraggedthemdownoverherankles.Hethrewthepanties
overthetopoftheshowerstall,andtheylandedwithawetsplatsomewhereonthefloor.

Rebecca’smouthwasstillopen,soAndreasslantedakissacrossit.Shetriedtostepback,butthe
showerwastoosmall.

“Don’tkissme,I’lltastenasty,”shesaid.

Andreaslaughed.She’dnevertastebadtohim,hisshyacademic.Notshy,really;she’dhadtheballsto
workherwayuptowhatshewasnow,andshe’dgofurtherstill.Butshewashesitantwithmenwho
noticedhersexuality.

“I’lljustlickyourskininstead,”hesaid,andproceededtolaphistonguealongherneckandshoulders,
workingdowntoherbreasts.

Sheheldontohim,rakingherfingersthroughhishairashesuckledfirstonenipple,thentheother.Hehad
tobendhiskneesandpushherbreaststohismouth,buttheawkwardnessmadeitmoreexciting.

Andreasliftedherinhisarmsandwrappedherlegsaroundhiships.Hiscockstillhungoutsideher,butit
wasnudginghersweetquim.

Eonsago,beforeAndreashadbeencaughtinHera’srevenge,hewouldhavesimplyslidintoRebecca
andpumpeduntilhewassatisfied.Nowhehadtomakesureshewastheonepleasured,nothimself,but
somehowhedidn’tmindhavingto.Itwassomethinghewouldhavechosenanywayifhe’dcomeupon
her.

Rebeccatriedtolooksodowdy,buttherealityofherbodywaslushandlovely.Heslidhishandbetween
themtomassageherclit,likingthewayshejumped.

“Feelgood?”heasked.

“Whyareyoudoingthis?”

“Whynot?”Hecontinuedtostrokeher,movinghisfingersaroundherquim.Shewaswetfromhercome
andshowerwater,afinecombination.

“Patriciaisprettierthanme.”

“That’swhatyouthink.”

Shemovedherhips,herbodylooseningandlikingwhathedid.“Ihadthefeelingyouwerebeingpulled
toher,youknow,becauseofyourcurse.”

“Alittlebit.Butyoupulledmeharder,Becky.”Hegrinned.“SohereIam.”

“Whydoyoucallmethat?EveryonecallsmeRebecca.”

“That’swhy.Iwantsomethingspecial,soyou’reBeckytome.”

Shesmiledshylybutwithapprehensioninhereyes.“Idon’twantyoutobeherebecauseofsome
compulsionbysomegoddess.Ifitisn’treal,thenpleasegoaway.”

Andreasslidafingerinsideher,andshebrokeoffwithagasp.“Thisisreal,”hesaid.“Youdon’twant
metogo.”

“No,”shewhispered.

“Youbelievethestory,then?AboutHeraandthecurseandourenslavement?Patriciasaidyouwere
skeptical.”

Sheshookherhead,herhairplasteredtoherface.“Storiescanbepowerful.Iknowallaboutstoriesas
anEgyp—oh—tologist.”

He’dslidasecondfingerintoher.Herquimgrippedhim,pulsing,andheknewshehadn’treleasedina
verylongtime.

“That’sallright,Becky.I’lltakeyouoverthetop.”

Rebeccatriedtoanswer,butherexcitementwasgettingthebetterofher.Herheadrockedback,rightin
thestreamoftheshower,waterslidingoverherface.

Herubbedandtickled,smilingathowverywetshewas.Herlegsclampedhardoverhisbuttocks,andhe
heldherwithonehandplantedonhersweetass,theotherfingeringinsideher.Shewaslightinhisarms,
likeshewasmadetobethere.

“Oh,God,Iloveit,”shemoaned.

“Youshoulddothiseveryday,”hemurmured.“Everydayletmereleaseyou.You’llbesorelaxed.”

Herfingersfurrowedhishair.“No,I’dneverwanttodoanythingelse.”

“Andthatwouldbebadbecause...?”

“Somanyreasons.”Shegaspedandmoanedasheslidinathirdfinger.“Ican’trememberanyofthem.”

Shesqueezedhimhard,harder,andsuddenlyshecamebeautifully,herbodyjerking,hercriesincoherent.
Shewaswarmandlovely,andhiscockwantedhersobadly.

Slow.Don’tscareher.

“Doyouloveit,Becky?”

“Yes.Yes.”

Shewaslaughingandshakingherhairinthewater,splashingitallovereverything.Andreaskissedher,
drawingherhotexcitementintohim.

HefelthisangeratthecurseandHeraandtheDyonsrecedingashegotlostinherkiss.Somethinginside
himtriedtofightit,knowingthatpainwasgoingtohithimhard.

Butthatsomethingwasfarawaynow,andhisheartwarmedasRebeccakissedhimsloppilyback,
humminginsatisfaction.Helikedthathe’dmadeherhappy,andhewantedtodoitagain.

Andreassnappedoffthewaterandcarriedheroutoftheshower,withherstillwrappedaroundhim.She
laidherwetheadonhisshoulderandgavealittlesighofcontentment.

Hetookherouttothebedroomandsethergentlyonthebed.Sheunwoundherarmsandlegsfromhim
withreluctance,thenyawnedandstretched.Helikedthatthelookofstarkfearshe’dhadlastnighthad
vanished.Whenhe’dfoundherwithherclothesalltorn,he’dburnedwithrageandenjoyedsnappingthe
Dyon’sneck.

“Ididn’tfindanymoreDyonslastnight,”heassuredher.“Ihuntedthem,buttheyaregone.Theydidwhat
theycametodo.”

“Destroymyresearch,”shesaidmournfully.“Theybrokemylaptop,thestupidbastards.”Hereyesfilled
withtears.

Hestretchedoutbesideher,bringingtheblanketaroundhertokeepherwarm.“Iwon’tletthemnearyou
again,sweetheart.I’llstayaleopard,soIcanscentthembetterandprotectyoubetter.Iwon’tleaveyour
side.”

Sheblinkedbrowneyesathim,thenherredlipscurvedintoasmile.“Ithinkeveryonewouldstareifa
leopardfollowedmearound.Idon’tthinkthey’dletyouonthebuswithme.We’dhavetogetyoua
leash.”

“Veryfunny.”

Shegiggled,drunkwithpleasure.“Youneedtothinkofthesethingsifyouplantostayaleopard.What
aboutfeeding?We’dhavetosetupanaccountatabutchershop.Ifyouhavetochaseandkillyourmeat
yourself,Idon’twanttoknowaboutit.”

“Stop.”Hekissedhertohaltherwords.Sheturnedreadilyintothekiss,andhisheartsqueezed.Maybeif
hepleasuredhersenseless,she’dgettiredofhimquickly,andthenitwouldn’thurtsomuchwhenshe
brokeitoff.

Sure.

Andreasrolledontopofher.“Doyouwanttofuck?”

Shesmiledsleepily.“Direct,aren’tyou?”

“Icanmakeyoufeelsogoodyouwon’tremembertheDyonsorevenyourownname.Wantmeto?”

“Thatsureofyoursexualprowess,areyou?”

Heshrugged.“Whybemodest?”

Shestartedlaughing,shakinghisbodyinadelightfulway.“Youaresuchashit.”

“Youhaven’tansweredmyquestion.Doyouwanttofuckuntilwepopthebedsprings?”

“It’saplatformbed;therearen’tanysprings.Besides...”Sheputherhandonhislipsashestartedto
growlasmart-assanswer.“Idon’twanttojumpintothiswithoutthoughtorprotection.Whatabout
STDs?”

Hegaveheranincredulouslook.“Ican’tgiveyouSTDs.That’sahumanthing.Idon’tcarryanykindof
disease.I’mpartgod;itdoesn’tsticktome.”

“Whataboutfleas?”

“What?”

“You’realeopard.Canyougivemefleas?Icouldn’tputupwiththat...orthecathair.”

Andreasgrowledandnippedthesideofherneck.“Thinkyou’resmart,don’tyou,sweetheart?”

“Andthenthere’spregnancy.”Hereyeswereserious.

“Youdon’twantkids?”

“Ididn’tsaythat.Iwantthemsomeday.I’mjustnotpicturingyoustickingaroundtoraisethecubs.You
andNicowillgetwhatyouwantandgo.”

“Isthatso?”

Sheshrugged.“Whateveritisyouwantfromtheinscription,you’llbefinishedwithmeonceyouhaveit.
NicoseemsprettyattachedtoPatricia,sohe’lltrytostaywithher,butyouwouldn’tstaywithme.You’re
notthestay-with-one-womankindofman.”

“Yousoundprettysureofthat,”hesaid.

“Iworkwithlotsofmen,Andreas.I’veseenwhattheydo,andImakesuretheyneverdoittome.”

Herstubbornexpressiontoldhimalot.“Isthatwhyyouhideyourbeauty?Whyyouconcealyourbody
underuglyclothes?”

“Imostlydon’tthinkaboutmyclothes.”

Henuzzledher.“Youlookedabsolutelygorgeouslastnight.”

Sheblushed,butherstubbornlookremained.“Isthatwhyyouaresuddenlyinterestedinme?BecauseI
woreatightskirt?”

“It’sthecurse,sweetheart.It’scalledmetoyou,sohereIam.Yourloveslave.”

“Idon’tliketheit’sthecurseline.Ifyoudon’twantmejustbecauseyoudo,nowayamIdoinganything
withyou.”

“Youalreadyletmemakeyoucomeintheshower.Youseemedperfectlyhappywiththat.”

“Iwashalfasleepandstillscared.That’sall.You’renotdoingitagain.”

Helaughedlowinhisthroat.“I’lldoitagain.Andagain,andagain.We’reconnectednow,youandI,

untilthisspellwearsthrough.Yousurrendertome,andImakeeverythingvery,verygood.”

“Butyou’retheoneunderthecurse.”

“Soareyou.YouwantthepleasureIcangiveyou.Youneedit.”

Rebecca’sbrowneyesdarkenedashiswordssankin.Herpulsebeatinherthroat,herdesiresmakingher
bodyflushwithwarmth.

Herscentgrewstronger,herpheromonespouringoverhisanimalsenses.Shewashungry,thepleasuring
intheshoweronlypartlysatingher.

Shesnakedherarmsaroundhisneckandpulledhimdowntoher.Helickedher,lovingrunninghistongue
alloverherface.

“Andreas,”shesaid,hervoicelow.“Myanswerisyes.Idowanttomakelove.”

Heshookhishead,waterdrippingontoherashepulledaway.“Notyet.”

Shemadeanoiseofexasperation.“Butyoujustsaid—”

“IsaidIwouldgiveyouwhatyouneed.Youneedtoworkuptoit,tobesoexcitedthatwhenwefinally
mateitisthebestyou’veeverknown.”

Hereyesdarkenedagain,herexcitementbuildingdespiteherfrustration.“ThenwhydidyouaskmeifI
wantedto?That’sthefirstthingyousaidwhenwegotonthebed.”

“Iknow.Ichangedmymind.”

Herhungrylookturnedtoaglare.“Iwasright;youareashit.”

“Bettergetupandgetdressed.Theothertwolovebirdsaregoingtowantbreakfast.”Hekissedhernose,
thenliftedhimselfaway.

Itwasphysicalpaintodoit,butheknewthatwhatRebeccaneededrightnowwasnotmindlessscrewing.
Sheneededtosavorit,toenjoyeverymomentwithherfullattention.Hisbodyscreamedathimtotake
hernow,butheheldhimselfback.Ithadtobeherutmostpleasure,nothis.

Rebeccasmackedhimwithapillow,glaringathiminrage.Shewasbeautifullyingtherenakedwithher
browneyesglowing.

Andreasdeflectedthepillowwithonearm,stillgrinningather.Hiscockwasrampantandmovingwith
hispulse,achingforhimtofallonherandfuckher.

Butthepainwasworthit,hethoughtashewalkedawayfromher.He’dachievedwhathe’dneededtothis
morning:he’derasedtheterriblefearinhereyesthathadbeentherethenightbefore.He’deasedherand
madeherforget.

Hesentherahotsmile,thenwentofftofindsomeclothes.

15

NICObookedticketstoCairothenextday,thefirstflightavailablethathecouldgetfourseatson,which
wouldleaveafewdayslater.PatriciadecidedtoenjoytheextratimeinLondonandtookRebecca
shoppingagaintoreplacetheclothesruinedbytheDyons.

Patriciaalsoindulgedincasualclothesthatweresexierthansheusuallyletherselfwear.Shewasa
businesswoman,notsomeonewhoworecutecroppedtopsandtightskirtsorpantsthatbaredherhips.
Butherreallifeseemedfaraway,andshewantedNicotofindhersexy.Hedid,nuzzlingherbellywhen
shemodeledtheclothesforhim,dippinghistongueintoherconvenientlybaredbellybutton.

Rebeccaboughtsexierclothes,too,thoughsheblushedalotwhensheworethem.Shespentmostofher
timetryingtore-createhertranslationfrommemory,butherfrustratedswearingtoldPatriciashewasn’t
havingmuchluck.

RebeccaseemedawkwardwiththeattentionAndreasnowpaidher,althoughsheflushedwithpleasure
underit.AndreashadmovedhisroughcharmfirmlytoRebecca,andPatriciawasglad.

Notthatshehadn’tlovedwhathe’ddonewithherandNico,butsomethinghadchangedinher
relationshipwithNico,andAndreaswasn’tpartofit.Niconeversaidawordabouttheirthree-waysex
play,buthemadelovetoPatriciawithincreasingfervor,replacingwhatAndreashaddonewithhisown
darkseduction.

TheyflewoutofLondontoCairo,enteringacountryPatriciahadnevervisitedbefore.Shewasexcited;
she’ddreamedofgoingtoEgyptsinceherteenyears,eversinceshe’dreadAgathaChristie’sDeathon
theNile.ShewantedtoseechaoticCairoandthepyramidsatGiza,saildowntheNile,andvisitKarnak
andtheValleyofKings.

Rebecca,ontheotherhand,wascomfortablealmosttothepointofbeingblaséastheywentthrough
customsandstoodinlinetoobtainthetouristvisastheyneeded.HowNicoandAndreashadobtained
passports,Patriciadidn’tknow,butshesupposedthat,liketheendlessquantityofmoneytheyseemedto
have,they’dsolvedtheproblemofidentificationalongtimeago.

Itwaswarm,thetemperaturefarhigherthanlateSeptemberinNewYorkorLondon.Patriciaand
Rebeccahadboughtmoreconcealingclothestowearinacountrythatdidn’tlikebareflesh,andPatricia
foundthatthelayershelpedkeepthebakingsunoffherbody.

TheylefttheairporttotakeahiredcarNicohadarrangedtoasmallhotel.NicoandAndreasstoodoutin
thecrowds,twotall,broad-shoulderedmen,especiallyAndreaswithhisstrange,mottledhair.Rebecca
spoketothedriverinhurriedArabicassoonastheygotin,andthecarjerkedforwardtodiveintothe
hideoussnarlthatwasCairotraffic.

ThehoteltheyreachedwasasmallluxuryhotelonthebanksoftheNileneartheEgyptianMuseum.

“Howdidyoufindthis?”Rebeccaasked,asshelookedwide-eyedaroundthesuiteofroomsobviously
meantfortheultra-wealthy.“WhenIcomeforthedigs,we’reluckywefindsomeplaceacceptabletofall
intobed.”

“Iknowtheowner,”Nicosaidbutwouldn’telaborate.

Thesuitewasanelegantlytiledapartmentwithafountainintheantechamberandfourbedrooms,sothere
wasnoambiguityaboutwhowouldsleepwhereorwithwhom.

NicoandAndreashadalsodecidedtobecomeabnormallyprotective.Theywouldn’tletPatriciaand
Rebeccaleavethehotel,andbothwomenloudlyprotested.

“Youcanberightnexttous,”Rebeccainsisted.“Wewon’tgetlost;IknowmywayaroundCairo.”

“Andit’sanantiquer’sdream,”Patriciaputin.“Icouldgetsomuchformystore,aslongastheimport
feesdon’tkillme.”Shewasalmostsalivating,theantiqueloverinherwantingtodiveintotheback
streetsandbrowse.

“I’lltakeyoushoppingwhenallthisisover,”Nicosaid.“TheDyonsaremuchclosertohomehere,and
they’llbemorepowerful.”

“IthoughtyousaidtheycomefromHades.”

“Theydo.ButGreeceiswhereHeramadethem,andtheclosertheyare,thestronger.”

PatriciahadtoconcedethatitwouldnotbesmarttoinvitetheDyonstofollowthem,eventhoughshewas
dyingtoexplore.Thehotelhadascreenedbalconythatoverlookedtheriver,theflowingNilelookingso
peacefulcomparedtothecrazinessofCairostreets.

“YoumeanIhavetostaycoopeduphere?”Rebeccawailed.“IwantedtotakePatriciatoGiza.”

Patriciasmiled.Theywerehardly“cooped”inahuge,archedlivingroomthatboastedsevenEgyptian-
stylecouchesandsatellitetelevision,andfourenormousbathroomswithdeepwhirlpooltubs.Therewas
amaidandconciergeforthisroomonly,whosaidthey’dservesuppertothemhereaswell.

Thefurniturewastrueantiques,Patriciacouldtellfromtheirpsychicresidue.Oneofthescreensonthe
patiowasanoldcarvedseraglioscreen.Patriciaranherhandalongit,feelingcenturiesofwomen,some
frustratedwiththeirconfinement,somewhofeltsafeandprotected.Thevibrationsoftheirlove,anger,
happiness,hope,despair,andgriefcametoPatricialoudandclear,andshestoodforalongtime,her
handsonthescreen,absorbingtheenergies.

“Didyouhearme?”Rebecca’svoicecutthroughthedininherhead.“They’rebeingwaytooquiet.”

Patriciaopenedhereyes,lettinghershieldsslidebackintoplace.“YoumeanNicoandAndreas?Yes,I
noticed.”

“Andreasisdrivingmecrazy.”

Patriciahidasmile.“Iseethewayhelooksatyou.”

“Likeacatwaitingtopounceonhisnextmeal?Doyouknowhesaidhe’dinsistonstayingaleopardto
protectmeifhehadto?”

Andreas’spulltoRebeccahadbecomeveryobvious,butPatriciacouldtellthetwoofthemhadn’thad
fullsexyet.Rebeccawastooirritable:awomancravingaman,notawomansatisfiedbyhim.

“Ithinkthey’reworried,”Patriciasaid,glancinginsidewhereNicoandAndreaslounged,themale
attendanthavingbroughtincoffee.

“Ithinkthey’reanxioustogetthisoverwith,”Rebeccasaid.“Andberidofus.”

“Maybe.”PatricialookedatNicoagain,whowasblowingonhiscoffeetocoolit.Herheartsqueezed.
Hewasabeautifulman,athersideprotectingherduringtheday,warmingheratnight.She’dneverhadit
sogood.“I’mnotreadytoberidofNico,though.”

“Youmakeagreatcouple.I’llbetyoustaytogetheralongtime.”

“Nicosaystheircursedoesn’tworkthatway.Istillthinkhe’swrong.Ican’timaginemepushinghim
away.”

“Andreas—”Rebeccabrokeoffandtuggedherloosehairwithonehand.“Idon’twanttopushhimaway,
either.ButhesayshehastomakemewaituntilIreally,reallywanthim.Hedoesn’tbelievemewhenI
sayIdo.”

PatriciathoughtofAndreas’ssinfulsmilewheneverhe’dstolenintoPatricia’sbedandhelpedNico
pleasureher.Hewasataunting,calculatinglover,likeacatstalkingitsprey,whileNicowasplayful,
teasing,andmaddening.Hissilkenwingsmadeherentirebodysing.

Whentheyduckedbackinside,Patriciastartedtolaugh.Thecatshe’dseendowninthehotellobbyhad
managedtogetintotheroomandnowstoodonAndreas’slap,havinghischinscratchedbyAndreas’s
broadfinger.

“Fleas,”Rebeccasaid.“LikeIsaid.”

Andreasgrowledatherbutcontinuedtoscratchthecat.

Theyateinthesuite,thehotelstaffbringingthemahugemealofkoshari,apastaandricedishwithspicy
sauce,afishstew,chickenkebabs,andplentyofbreadandbabaghanoush.Itwastasty,andbetweenthe
fourofthemandthecat,theyreducedittocrumbs.

Afterdinner,toPatricia’sandRebecca’sexasperation,NicoandAndreastoldthetwoyoungwomento
stayputinthehotelroomandvanishedintothenight.

“WHYdoyouthinkhe’sfollowingus?”Nicoasked,glancingbehindthem.

“HellifIknow.”

“Wanttomakeanyguesseswhoitis?”

Andreasshookhishead,hisgazeonthepavement.“No.”

TheyroundedacornerintoCairo’sbusystreets,wheremostlymenroamed.“You’dthinkHeracould
leaveusalonetobemiserable.”

“Youliketodream.”

Nicoglancedathim.“Andyoudon’t?”

“Nopointinit.”Andreashunchedhisshoulders,hishandsinhispockets.“Forgetaboutit,Nico.It’snot
real,andyouknowitisn’t.Doesn’tmatterhowmanytimesyoufuckher.Itwillturnoutthesameinthe
end.”

“Thisinscriptionmighthelpbreakthecurse,”Nicosaid.

“Wishfulthinking.Idoubtit.”

Nicodoubtedit,too,buthedidn’tlikehearingAndreassayitplainly.“Youweretheonewhofirst
pointedouttheinscription,”heremindedAndreas.

“Ichangedmymind.Weshouldn’thavepursuedit;wewouldn’tbeherechasingawildgoose.”

“Wewouldn’thavemetPatriciaandRebecca.”

Andreas’siceblueeyesflashed.“LikeIsaid.Wewouldn’thavemetthemandbeensparedwhatwill
happenwhentheyarereadytodumpus.It’sgoingtohurtlikehell,worsethaniteverdidbefore.”

Nicostopped.Twomenwho’dbeenwalkingbehindthemnearlyranintothem,andNicosaidagruff
apology.“You’resayingthatmeetingthemispartofthecurse,thatyouspottingthatinscriptioninthe
magazinewasonemorestepinHera’sidioticgame.”

Andreasnodded.“Iwouldn’thavebeensolong-winded,butyes.That’swhatIthink.”

“Shit,”Nicosaid.

“She’sapissed-offgoddess,”Andreasgrowled.“She’llgrindusunderherheelforeternity;that’swhat
vindictivegoddessesdo.”

“Shit,”Nicorepeated.

“Yousaidit.Stillinterestedincatchingourstalker?”

Niconodded,thougheverymuscleinhisbodyhurt.“We’dbetter.Doesn’tsmelllikeaDyon,though.”

Andreasagreed.Theystrolledalonglikenothingmorethanfriendswalkingofftheirdinners.Nicohad
sensedsomeonebehindthemallday,buteveryrusetheytriedtomaketheirfollowerrevealhim-or
herselfdidn’twork.Nicoalsofeltarippleofsomethinghedidn’tunderstand,somethingheshould
understand,buthecouldn’tquiteplaceit.

Theydidn’tspeakmuchontheirwaybacktothehotel.Thenightwaswarmandoverlaidwiththesmellof
exhaust,food,andmanypeoplelivinginclosequarters.Thelobbyofthehotelwasairy,withpointed
archesandpolishedscreens,opentothefirstthreefloors.Ithadahushedelegance,ahotelforthe
wealthywhodidn’twanttoomuchflash.TheirfriendDemitrihaddonewellforhimself.

Andreasenteredthesuiteupstairsandthenswore.Nicobarreledinbehindhim,hearthammering,tofind
Andreasstandingwithhishandsonhipsinthemiddleoftheemptylivingarea.“They’renothere.”

AcheckofthebedroomsandbathroomsprovedAndreasright.RebeccaandPatriciaweregone.

“DamnDemitri,”hesnarled.“Itoldhimtolookafterthem,nottoletthemout.”

Shutterswerestillfastenedatthewindows,withnosignofdisturbance.Thetwowomen,probablypissed
atbeingtoldtostayput,hadgone.

Nico’sheartjumpedwhenheheardlaughterfromthecorridor,andamomentlater,RebeccaandPatricia
enteredtheroomtogether.

“Thereyouare,”Patriciasaid,lookinghappy.

Nicowantedtograbherandholdonsotightshecouldn’tslipawayagain.“Wherethehellwereyou?”

AndreasglaredatbothwomenandRebeccaglaredrightback.

“DownstairstalkingtoanEgyptianantiquesdealer,”Patriciasaid.“Hewasharmless—notaDyonin
disguiseoranything.”

“Andhowdidyougetdownstairstomeethim?”Andreasdemanded.“Youweresupposedtostayhere.”

“Weweren’tplanningtoleavethehotel,”Rebeccasaid.“We’renotstupid.Wewentdownstairstolookat
thegiftshopandgottotalkingtothisman.Hedealsantiquesallovertheworld,andheandPatriciaknew
alotofthesamepeople.Weweredownstairsanhour,nobigdeal.”

“Thebigdealiswetoldyoutostayput,”Nicosaid.

Andreaslookedathim.“Ilikedwomenbetterintheolddays:obedient.”

“Iagree,”Nicosaid.

Patricia’sglarewaspalpable.“Well,welcometothetwenty-firstcentury.Ifwethinkmenareidiots,
we’renotafraidtotellthemso.”

“Thepointis,itwasdamndangeroustoleavetheroom.”NicolovedhowPatricia’sgreenblueeyes
flashedinrage,makinghermorebeautifulthanever.HeknewDemitriwouldn’thaveallowedPatriciato
sitandtalkwithanyonewhowasn’tsafe,buthewasenjoyingtheargument.Heenjoyedeveryaspectof
beingwithPatricia.

“Notreally,”Patriciacountered.“Therearetwobigmenonthedoor,courtesyofyourfriendthehotel
owner.Wenoticedthem.Theywouldn’thaveletusoutifwe’dtried.”

Nicotuggedherintohisarms.“Youscaredme.Idon’tlikeworryingthatI’velostyou.”

Shelookedupathiminsurprise.“Youdon’tneedtoworryaboutthat.”

Hedid,andheknewhedid.Hekissedherhair,pulledherclose.

“Anyway,”Rebeccasaid,stillfuming.“Wewon’tbeherelong.We’llvisitthemuseumtomorrow,take
photosoftheotherfragments,andbedone.”

Itsoundedsoeasy.Nicorememberedthestrangefeelinghe’dhadonthestreetandknewitwouldnotbe
aseasyasPatriciaandRebeccasupposed.

HealsothoughtofAndreas’sconvictionthatchasingaftertheinscriptionwasyetanothertwistofthe
knifeintheirlongtorture.

HeheldPatriciaevencloser,needsparkingasitalwaysdidwhenhewasnearher.Hehadtohaveher,
hadtopleasureher.Shewasannoyedwithhim,butitdidn’tmatter;hewouldbreakthroughthatand
pleaseher,orthepainwouldflaretomakehimcrazy.

Whenshelookedupathim,sheseemedtounderstand.Hercompassionforhimbrokehisheart,buthe
growledinanimal-likemadnessashesweptherintohisarmsandcarriedherfromtheroom.

RebeccaandAndreaswatchedthemgo,butthedistancebetweenthetwoofthemremainedwide.

16

THEEgyptianMuseumwascrowdedanddense,touristspouringoffbusestotrampthroughthefive
thousandyearsofhistorypackedinside.PatriciatingledwithexcitementdespiteNico’sbadmood,and
shecouldn’twaittofeelthevibrationsofsomeofthemostexquisiteobjectsintheworld.

RebeccaconfidentlybypassedthelonglinetotheTutankhamungallery,sayingshe’dshowthemeven
betterartifactsstashedawayinthebasement.Patriciawaseagertoseethefragments,whichaphonecall
yesterdayhadassuredthemwerehere.

Astheymadetheirwayintotheadministrativeoffices,peoplebegantostopandgreetRebecca.She
wavedatmenandhuggedwomen,hershynessgone.

Oneofthemenofferedtotakethemdownstairssotheycouldseetheostracons.Patriciahadbroughther
digitalcamera,completewithfreshbatteries.

Thebasementwasevenmoredenselypackedthanupstairs,withstorageroomsandhugespacescrowded
withshelvesandboxes.Patriciawonderedhowanyonefoundanythingdownhere,buttheirguideseemed
toknowhiswayaround.AlargermuseumwouldbeopeningsooninGizatotaketheloadoffthisone,
theirguidesaid,thenadded,“Inshallah.”

Theirguide,whosenamewasAli,stoppedatadoorandopeneditwithakey.Insidewereshelves
coveredwithgrills,alllocked.Heledthemunerringlytoagrillwhoselocklookednewlycleanedand
oiled,andopenedit.

“TwofragmentsfoundnearAlexandria,”hesaid.

Hepulledoutonepieceoflimestone,abouttwofeetsquare.Andreasreachedforit,butRebeccabeathim
toit.Shegazeddownatthestoneinreverence.

Thesecondfragmentwaslarger,abouttwobyfourfeet.Nicoliftedthatone,andRebeccatouchedit,her
eyesshining.Alimovedboxesfromaricketytable,andRebeccapositionedbothpiecesonit.

“Thisonefirst,Ithink,”shesaid,tracingthehieroglyphsonthesmallerpiece.“Andtheotheronefitin
between.Yes,that’sjustlovely.”

Shegazedhappilyatthem,unabletostoptouchingthem.Patriciapulledouthercameraandturnediton,
waitingforthelighttotellherallwasready.

AshoutfromNicostartledher.ShelookeduptoseeAliheftasledgehammerandbringitstraightdown
onthefragments.

Rebeccascreamedanddodgedoutoftheway.Thesmallerpieceshattered,andthenNicoandAndreas
wereonhim.Ali,asmall,slimEgyptianmaninhistwenties,foughtthemoff,suddenlyhavingthestrength
often.

Nicowrestledwithhim,whileRebeccatriedtograbthepiecesoffragments.AlithrewAndreasand
Nicooffliketheyweighednothingandbroughtthesledgehammerupagain.AndreasdraggedRebeccaout
ofthewayasthesledgehammercamedown.

PatriciawatchedinsickenedhorrorasAlipoundedthefragmentstodust.Nicotriedtocatchhisarmsand
stophim,butAlithrewhimbackwardacrosstheroom.

Nicopushedhimselfup,hisragebringingoutthedivinelightinsidehim.Andreashadalreadymorphedto
hisleopardform,kickingoutofhisclothesandsnarlinglikecrazy.

Alibroughtthesledgehammerdownonemoretime,thenhewilted.Thesledgehammerslidfromhisgrip,
andhecrumpledtothefloor,hiseyesrollingbackinhishead.

Andreasleaptonhim,butPatriciarushedtothem.“Wait.Idon’tthink—”

Andreasflashedsharpteethather,buthebackedoffandsatonhishaunches.Rebeccawascrying,
huggingpiecesoflimestonerubbletoherchest.

NicoretrievedthesledgehammerandstoodaboveAli.Aliopenedhiseyesandblinkedupatthem,then
wentpalewithfrightandstartedbabblinginArabic.

Andreasgrowledagain,lipscurlingbackfromhisteeth.Rebeccawipedhereyesanddraggedinadeep
breath.“Leavehimalone,Andreas.Hedoesn’tknowwhathappened.”

RebeccaspoketohiminfluentArabicforafewmoments,thenAliswitchedbacktoEnglish.“Idonot
knowwhyIdidthat.Icouldneverdosuchathing.Ademonmusthavegotme.”

Heclimbedshakilytohisfeet,hisfacealmostgreenwithfear.HelookedatNicoandAndreas,who
surroundedhimmenacingly,andhelduphishands.“Itrulydonotknow.Iwouldneverdestroyanartifact.
Never.”Tearsleakedfromhiseyes.

“Ibelievehim,”Patriciasaid.Shequietlyclickedoffhercamera,notneedingitnow.“ButIdon’tthinkit
wasademonthatpossessedyou,Ali.Ithinkitwasagoddess.”

PATRICIAleftthemuseuminfury,butAndreasandNicoseemedstrangelysubdued.“Dyonsdon’thave
thebrainstotrackdownthefragments,”shesaidastheywalkedbacktothehotel.“Theycanonlyfollow
us.Butgettingintothemuseuminbroaddaylighttoattackwouldhavebeentoohardforthem.Soshe
takesoverthemindofaninnocenttodestroythefragmentsoncesheknowswheretheyare.Wedoallthe
worktrackingthemdown;shewalksinandtakesover.”Sherakedahandthroughherhair,wantingto
screaminfrustration.“Whatabitch.”

Rebeccanodded,hereyesglintingwiththesameanger.“RememberwhatItoldyouaboutmydissertation
advisor?Samething.Ididthegruntwork;shewalkedinandusedeverybitofit.Butthisisworse.
Destroyinganartifactisunforgivable.Unforgivable.”Shestabbedtheairforemphasis.

“Itdoesn’tmatter,”Nicosaid.

“Ofcourseitmatters.”Patriciaroundedonhiminthecrowdedstreet.“Itmusthavebeenthekeytogetting
youfree.Whyelsewouldshedestroyit?”

“Hemeansitwasn’tmeanttobe,”Andreassaid.“Weweren’tmeanttobefree.It’snotgoingtohappen.”

“Youcan’tgiveupnow,”Rebeccasaid,herfacesetindetermination.“Whatwefindonostraconsare
mostlycopiesofotherinscriptions,forpracticelearninghieroglyphsortoallowpeoplefarfroma

monumenttoreadwhatwasonit.Allwehavetodoisfindtheoriginalinscription.Iremembersomeof
whatwasonthefirstfragment.Ifwecanfindinscriptionswiththesamekindoftheme,wecanlookuntil
wefindamatch.Wecan—”

ShebrokeoffasAndreasseizedherhand.“Peace,Becky.We’refinished.Theinscriptionisdestroyed.It
wasanicetry.Whydon’twejustenjoywhattimewehaveleft?”

Rebeccajerkedaway.“Forgetit.Ididn’twinallthoseresearchawardsforstoppingtheminuteitgot
hard.It’sjustanotherchallenge.”

“Exactly,”Patriciasaid.“I’mgoodattrackingdownelusiveantiques,andRebeccaisgoodattracking
downelusiveinformation.Betweenthetwoofus,youcan’tlose.”

NicoandAndreasexchangedalook.Patriciarecognizedthelookforwhatitwas,andherragemounted.
They’dgivenup,tiredfromstrugglingtofreethemselves.Theydidn’twanttohope.

Shefoldedherarms,notlettingNicogoanywhere.“Irefusetorunbackhomewithmytailbetweenmy
legs.IwillkeepsearchingandhelpingRebecca.Besides,I’minEgyptforthefirsttimeinmylife,andI
wanttoseeapyramid.”

Nicogazeddownatherfromhisheight,hiseyesdarkassin.Sheknewshe’dneverfindamanlikehim
again.

“Allright,”hesaidquietly.

Patriciahaddrawnabreathtoflingmoreargumentsathim,andshestoppedinsurprise.Nicogavehera
nodandturnedhertowalknexttohimagain.“Keeplooking,”hesaidastheywent.“Iwon’tstopyou.”

Hewouldn’texplainwhathemeantandwasquietallthewaybacktothehotel.

THEpyramidsofGiza,acrosstheriverfromCairo,wereeverytourist’sdestination.Nico,Patricia,and
RebeccafoundpeoplefromeverycornerofEurope,NorthAmerica,andAsiawaitinginlinestoride
camelsorbeusheredacrosstherocksbytourguidestothebaseoftheancientpyramids.

Andreashadrefusedtocome,muchtoRebecca’sannoyance.Shepretendedshedidn’tcareasshewalked
withPatricia,butNicosensedherhurt.

NicoknewexactlywhyAndreashadremainedbehind.Thefeelingofbeingwatchedhadn’tlefteitherof
them,andAndreashadfadedintotheshadowstoseeifhecouldflushouttheirmysteriousfollower.It
hadn’tbeenHeraoraDyon;theywerefarmoredirectandgaveoffdifferentvibrations.

Patricia’sfacelitupastheycametothebaseoftheGreatPyramid,astructurebuiltbeforeNicowas
born.EventhefamousTutankhamunhadconsideredthepyramidsofGizatobeancient.

Helookedupthegreatblocksofstone,whilePatriciaandRebeccatookpicturesofeachotherwithitin
thebackground.Climbingthepyramidswasnowforbidden,butthatdidn’tkeepthemfromscrambling
aroundthebase,lookinginwonderatthegiantblocksofstone.Rebeccaknewmuchaboutitandkeptupa
babblingcommentarytoPatricia.

Nicoscannedthecrowdwithcaution,onthelookoutforDyons.Nowthatthefragmentsweredestroyed,

perhapstheDyonswouldbackoff,butthen,withRebecca’sandPatricia’sdeterminationtokeeplooking,
Heramightwelldecidethebestwaytostopthemwaswiththeirdeaths.

HelookedbackatPatriciaandRebeccaintimetoseethemdisappeararoundarock.Cursingunderhis
breath,heleaptlightlytothetopoftheslabhehadbeenleaningagainst,toseethemdescendingtothe
templebehindthepyramid.

Nicocouldmovefastwhenhewantedtoandskimmedoverthestonesontheirtrail.Hesawthemstop
andgreetanEgyptianinaWesternbusinesssuit,oddattireforthisdustyventure.

Nicomovedtowardthem,wonderingifthiswastheantiquitiesdealerthey’dspokentobeforeatthe
hotel.Patriciawascertainlychatteringwithhimwithoutfear,Rebeccanoddingatpoints.Nicosloweda
littlebutcontinuedhisdescent.

Thenhefeltit,thewhisperofwrongnessthathadbotheredhimeversincethey’dwalkedoutoftheCairo
airport.Thewhispertouchedhim,andtheEgyptianmanlookedupathim.

Hesawasuddenflashoflight,blindingpowerthatsearedhiseyes,andwhenheblinkedthemclear,the
Egyptianman,Rebecca,andPatriciaweregone.

ANDREASreachedhimwithinhalfanhourofNico’scall.“Whatthefuck?”hepanted,drawnandgray
withtheeffortofgettingthere.

“Themanfollowinguswasagod,”Nicosaid,histhroattight.“Idon’tknowwhatgod,butthatexplains
whywecouldn’ttrackhimdown.Iftheydon’twanttobeseen,they’renotseen.Patriciawouldn’thave
seenhisaura,either,unlesshelether;itdoesn’tmatterhowpsychicsheis.”

“Damnit.”Andreaslookedaroundthecrowdsoftouristsandcamels,EgyptiansincaftansandWestern
clothes,colorsamidthedustywhite.Noneofthemseemedtohavenoticedtheflashofwhiteorthethree
vanishing.“Whatthehelldidhetakethemfor?”

“Withagoditcouldbeanything.”

Andreasgrowledagreement.Godswerecapricious.HemightwanttoshareagoodwinewithPatricia
andRebeccabecausehelikedthem,orhemightwanttofatheranewracewiththem.Itdependedonwho
hewasandwhatagendahehad.AndifhewasfriendofHera’s...

“Youdidn’trecognizehim?”Andreasdemanded.

“No.Hewashidinghistrueformandhidingitwell.”

“Sowhatdowedo?TearapartEgypt,ortoddlequietlybacktoourroomsandwaitforhimtoreturn
them,ifheeverdoes?”

“TheymightbefarfromEgyptbynow,”Nicosaid.

“Iknowthat.”Andreasflashedascowlaroundthecrowds.“Youknow,itwouldbegreatifIcouldsay
thisisthebestthing,theeasiestwaytogetourselvesawayfromthem,butyouknowIcan’t.”

“No.”Nicoknewhedidn’thavetosayanythingelse.

Andreashadhishandsonhiships,stillscanningthecrowd.“Nowthatweknowwe’relookingforagod,
wemightbeabletospothim.”

Nicowasn’tsosure.Godswereexpertsatkeepingthemselveshidden.They’dbecomeespeciallyadept
inthelastmillenniaortwoasbeliefintheoldgodswasallbutdestroyed.

Nicohadalreadysearchedthespotfromwhichthethreehadvanishedandfoundnothing,notevena
disturbanceinthedust.HeandAndreaslookedagain,thenwalkedaroundthepyramidandgazedintothe
shadowsoftheentrance.

Patriciasuddenlysteppedoutintothebrightsunlightandsmiledathim.

“Patricia,damnit,”hesaid,startingtowardher.“Wheredidyougo?Ithought—”

Shedidn’tseemtohearhim.Shelaughedandbeckonedtohim.“Well,comeon.”

NicoturnedtocalltoAndreas,andwhenhelookedbackattheentrance,Patriciawasgoneagain.

WithAndreasrightbehindhim,Nicodovepastthelineoftouristsandintothedarkholeofthepyramid.

PATRICIAhadnoideawhereshewas,butthevibrationsoftheancienttombwerespectacular.Theplace
waslitwithgeneratorlights,showingallfourwallsandceilingpaintedwithbeautiful,brightscenesof
Egyptianlife.Thetombmustbethousandsuponthousandsofyearsold,thevibrationssostrongshehadto
raiseanextrashieldtoprotectherself.

Rebecca,whodidn’thavetoworryaboutpsychicresidue,simplygazedatthewallswiththehungerofan
avidarchaeologist.

“I’veneverseenthesebefore,”shesaidinwonder.“Ican’tbelievehowwellpreserveditis.Noone’s
triedtochiseloffthepanels,thepainthasn’tfaded,thecolorsareasfreshasthedaytheywenton.Of
course,theEgyptiansknewhowtomakethingslast.It’samazinghowsmartandpracticaltheywereand
howromanticatthesametime.”

Thewomanwasnearlysalivating.

“Theyarecoming,yes?”theirEgyptianfriend,Mr.Ajeed,said.

Patriciacouldn’tquiterememberhowshe’dgottenhere,intothisdeeptombthatAjeedpromisedheld
wonderfulartifacts.ThebestinEgypt,he’dsaid,butawell-keptsecret.Theywouldhavetotraverse
manysecretpassagestofindit.

Patriciahadnomemoryofwalkingdownhere,thoughherlegsweretiredenough.She’dgoneback
outside,toseeNicostaringatherinamazement,thoughshedidn’tquiterememberthatjourney,either.
She’dtoldNicotofollow,buthewastakinghistime.

“Whydon’tIknowaboutthesewallpaintings?”Rebeccawasasking.“Thisismyfield:readingand
translatinginscriptions.Whenoneisuncovered,someonecallsmeoratleastsendsmeane-mail.I’ve
neverheardaboutthese.”

Ajeedsmiled,showingwhite,eventeeth.“Thatisbecause,mydearyoungwoman,ithasnotyetbeen

discovered.”

“Huh?”Rebeccastaredathim.“Ifithasn’tbeendiscovered,howdidyouknowthewaydownhere?
Giza’sbeengoneoverprettythoroughly.I’dbesurprisedifsomeonedoesn’tknowaboutit.”

“ItisnotinGiza.”

“Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?”Rebeccademanded.“Wedidn’twalkthatfar;weshouldbejust
behindtheGreatPyramid,inoneofthetemples.”

Ajeedsmiled.“Youmusttrustme.Youneedanswers,andIhavefoundthemforyou.”

Patriciafrownedathim.Whenthey’dmethiminthelobbyofthehotel,Ajeedhadseemedanordinary
antiquesdealer,thesamekindshe’dmetinherbusinesstravelsbefore.Hedealtinantiquefurniture,
mostlyfromtheOttomanperiod,andsoldtodealersthroughoutEurope,theU.S.,andtheArabworld.

Patriciahadtriedtoreadhisaura,onthelookoutforDyonsindisguise—notthattheyseemedbright
enoughtousedisguises—butshe’dfoundtheauraofanordinaryperson.Nothingsupernaturalabouthim.

Withoutchangingexpression,Patricialethershieldsdownagain,touchingAjeedwithherpsychicsenses.

Shenearlyscreamed.Thepowerthatemanatedfromhimwasbrighterandfiercerthananyshe’dever
seen.EvenAndreas’sandNico’saurasweren’tasstrong,andAndreasandNicohadknockedhertoher
knees.

Ajeedliftedhishand,andabruptlythewhite-hotlightvanished.Patriciagasped,findingherselfflatonthe
floor,herheadpounding.

“Iamsosorry,MissLake,”hesaid,reachingdowntohelpher.“Ishouldhaveanticipatedyouwouldtry
thatagain.”

“Whatareyou?”Sherefusedhisofferedhandandclimbedpainfullytoherfeetherself.“No,wait,maybe
Idon’twanttoknow.”

Rebeccawaslookingoninshock.“Whatdoyoumean,whatishe?Whatdidhedotoyou?”

“Heisn’thuman.”Patricia’sheadachebegantorecede,butthemusclesinthebackofherneckstill
pulsed.

“No,”Ajeedagreed.“Yourfriends,theyaredemigods,halfgod,halfmortal.Iamlikethem,onlynothing
aboutmeismortal.”

BeforemeetingNicoandAndreas,Patriciawouldhaveassumedthemanwascrazy,butnowshewasnot
sosure.“Agod,then.Whichgod?”

“Therearesomany,”hesmiled.“Gods,godseverywhere.It’slikelyyouwouldn’thaveheardofme.”

“Tryme,”Rebeccasaid,handsonhips.“I’vestudiedmostoftheancientEgyptianreligioustexts.”

“Verywell,thenyoucancallmeBesifyouwant.ButIpreferMr.Ajeed.Ilikehavingahumanname.”

Rebeccalookedhimupanddown.“Beswasadwarfgod.You’reprettytall.”

“Ah,buthumanformscanbesodeceiving.”Ajeedcockedhisheadtowardtheentrance,lookingforall
theworldlikeaharmless,friendlyEgyptianman.“Ibelieveyourfriendshavearrived.”

HeturnedasNicostrodefromthestonestairsintothetomb.Andreascamebehindhiminhisleopard
form.Patriciawonderedwhytheyhadtakensolong,butmaybethey’dhadtolookforaprivatespot
whereAndreascouldchangeintohisleopardshape.

Butthen,Mr.Ajeed—Bes—hadclaimedthattheywerenolongerinGiza.Frowning,shemarchedout
pastNico,takingthestairsup.Nicoturnedandfollowed,andsheheardRebeccaclatteringbehindthem.

Patriciaemergedinashallowroomthatlookedoutoveraplaceofbrightemptiness,alandshe’dnever
seenbefore.

17

“WHEREarewe?”

PatriciafeltNicobehindher,histall,strongbodyprotectivelyatherback.Theshallow,square-cutcave
openedouttoasteep,rockycliff.Belowthememptydesertrolledawayunderablueskytothegraygreen
smudgeofcultivationaroundtheNile.Dryairburnedthroughherlungs.

Rebeccastoppedbesidethem.“I’dswearthisisAmarna,aclifftombonthenorthside.Butthat’slike
twohundredmilessouthofCairo.”

“Mr.Ajeedclaimstobeagod,”Patriciasaid,staringatthestarkbeautyofthelandscape.“Whycouldn’t
wefollowhimintotheGreatPyramidinGizaandemergeacouplehundredmilessouth?”

“IneverwouldhavebelieveditbeforeImetyoupeople,”Rebeccamuttered.Sheshookherhead,turned
around,andmarchedbackdownintothetomb.

NicoslidhisarmaroundPatricia’swaist.“I’mnotsurewhat’sgoingon,butI’mhappyIhaven’tlost
you.”

“Iwouldn’thaveleftyoubehind.”

Hedidn’tanswer.Hisarmstightenedaroundherwaist,andsheturnedaroundandkissedhim.

Theirmouthstookeachother’sinslowwarmth,withonlyatasteoftheincrediblehungerofthesexthey’d
beenhaving.Rightnowshewasjustawomanlovingaman.

Nicosmoothedherhairbackfromherfaceandtouchedhisforeheadtohers.“Patricia.”

Hisdarkeyesheldsomuchsadness.Shekissedhimagain,tryingtowipeawaythelonelinessthatmade
herheartache.He’dspentsomanyyearsalone,andshewantedtoassurehimthatheneverwouldagain.

“Weshouldgoseewhatthisisallabout,”shewhispered.

Niconodded,stillholdingher.Shewouldhavelovedtostaythereforever,thetwoofthemagainstthe
barrenandbeautifullandscape,thesunwarmingthemastheyheldeachother.

Nicotookherhandandledherbackdownthepassage.

Atthebottom,Mr.AjeedstoodsmilingatRebecca,whiletheleopardAndreassatprotectivelyinfrontof
her.

“So,nowweknowwhereweare?”Ajeedasked,stillaffable.

“Iwasright;it’sAmarna,”Rebeccasaidstiffly.“I’llglossoverhowwegothere,becauseIhavethe
feelingIdon’treallywanttoknow.Butwhy?”

“Iwillshowyou.”

Ajeedstartedtogoaroundher,butAndreasrose,hacklesup,teethdrawninasnarl.

“Lethim,Andreas,”Patriciasaid.“Iwanttoseewhywe’vebeentrickedhere.”

Andreassubsided,stillpressingtighttoRebecca,hisblueeyesice-cold.

Ajeedledthemthroughasmalldoorwaybuiltofpreciselychiseledthickblocksanddownanother
passage.It,too,waslitbyastringofgeneratorlights,whichmadePatriciawonderaboutthepower
source.Ifthiswasanundiscoveredtomb,whohadputinagenerator?

Ajeedledthemdownarampanddownagain.Theairwascoolerherethanoutdoors,thesunalongway
outsidethesegiantblocksofstone.Itwasalsonotstale,whichmeanttherewasanothersourceofair,
someshaftsfarabove,perhaps.

Whentheyreachedwhatmustbetheverybaseofthetomb,.Ajeedstopped.Theystoodinaburial
chamber,astonesarcophagusprominentinthemiddleoftheroom.

Thewallsandceilingwerecoveredwithmorepaintings,thecolorsvividwhite,green,red,black,
orange.Thehumanfiguresweretheexpectedhalf-turnedsurrealforms.Theanimalsweremorelifelike:
birdsinflight,wildcatshuntingamongreeds,thecurvedprowofaboatonalake,lookingremarkably
likethefeluccasthatsailedtheNilenow.

Rebeccastaredaroundingreatdelight.“AnuntouchedAmarnatomb?Noway.”

Ajeedflashedhissmile.“Itis.Itwasputintomycare,Ialessergod,sohonoredbythistask.Ihave
protecteditallthistime,keptawayrobbersoldandnew.Thelord,herestsinpeace,enjoyinghis
afterlife.”

Patriciaglancedatthesarcophagus,suddenlyimaginingthemummifiedbodythatmustlieinsideit.She
steppedbackintothecurveofNico’sarm.Thisplacewasindeedpeaceful,thepsychicvibrations
soothingandalmoststill.Noonehadbeenintothisroomsincethegravetendershadsealeditupmore
thanthreethousandyearsago.

RebeccafrownedatAjeed.“TheentirecityofAmarnawasbuiltbyAkhenatentoworshiponegod,the
Aten,”shesaid.“Othergodsweren’twelcome,inabigway,sowhyshouldyouhavebeenaskedtoguard
thistomb?”

Ajeedlookedmodest.“Thelordwholieshere,hesecretlydisagreedwiththepharaoh.Butonecouldn’t
saythat,oh,no.HerememberedAmunandOsirisandtheoldgods,andaskedmepersonallytolookafter
him.”

“Hmm.”Rebeccalookedaroundagain,thegleamofthetruehistorianenteringhereye.Thepastwasalive
toher,Patriciarealized,morealivethanshoppinginLondonboutiquesorgoingtoclubswithagorgeous
man.HereyesawmorethanPatricia’scould,evenwithherpsychicvision.

Nicoturnedtolookatthewallbehindthemandwentstill.“Andreas.”

Andreaspaddedtohim.Hestretchedhisleopardlimbs,thenheelongatedintohishumanformandstood
up,nakedandcasual.

Rebeccajoinedthem,hergazelingeringonAndreasbeforeshelookedatthewall.Patricialooked,too,
andrealizedwhatshewasseeing.

“Theinscription,”shegasped.

“Allofit.”Rebeccanearlyjumpedupanddowninexcitement.“There’sthebitItranslated,”shesaid,
pointingtoapatchneartheceiling.“There’ssomuchofit.Nowonderitdidn’tmakemuchsense;
whoevercopieditoutontheostraconsonlyusedpartofit.Thisisterrific.”Shespuninalittlecircle,
prettierthanPatriciahadeverseeher.“I’vejustmademycareer.I’mthefirstonetoeverseethis;I’llbe
thefirstonetotranslateit.I’llhavejournalarticlesoutthebutt,interviews,joboffers.Woo!”

ShedancedarounduntilAndreascaughther,hisgrinwide.“Takeiteasy,sweetheart.Don’tpassoutfrom
happiness.”

Rebeccaflungherarmsaroundhisneck.“Idon’tcare.”Shekissedhimonthemouth,thensmiledat
Ajeed.“Thankyou,Mr.Ajeed,orBes,orwhateveryouwanttobecalled.You’vemademethehappiest
girlontheplanet.”

PATRICIAhadnotsaidmuchaboutthediscovery,butNicodidn’thavetimetoaskherwhyuntillater.
Theupperroomsofthetombprovideddryaccommodationsoutoftheheatandwind,andAjeedhad
furnishedthemwithcotsandcampchairs,andplentyoffoodandwater.He’dalsosomehowtransported
alltheirbagsfromthehotel.

Nicostoodintheentrance,lookingoutfromtheclifffacetotheemptyvalleybelow.Noonestirredthere,
nottouristsnorarchaeologists.

“Hewaspreparedforus,wasn’the?”Patriciastoodnexttohim,fanningherselfintheheat,abottleof
waterinherhand.“There’senoughstuffhereforustostayforweeks.Butifanyonesawhimsettingup,or
seesusnow,thiswon’tbeanundiscoveredtombforlong.”

“Ithinkhedidsomething,”Nicomused.“Suspendedtimeordrewacurtainacrossthisareaorsomething.
There’snothingoutthere.”

ShejoinedhimtolookovertheruinsofthekingdomofAkhenatenandhisfamousqueen,Nefertiti.There
wasnothingleftexceptafewfaintruinscoveredoverbydust.Agreensmudgeinthedistanceshoweda
lineofcultivationandthenthesparklingwatersoftheNile.

“Iwasadvisedthatthisareawasdangeroustovisit,”Patriciacommented.

“He’sprotectingus.”

“Ihavetowonderwhy.BeswantsRebeccatotranslatethatwall.IshefororagainstHera?”

“Comehere.”

PatriciawenttohimasNicostrippedoffhisT-shirt.Heunfoldedhisblackwings,enjoyingstretching
themout.“Youaskedmeonceiftheseworked,ifIcouldtrulyfly.Wanttosee?”

Patricia’seyesbegantoglow,thebluegreenlightofthesea.“I’dloveto.”

NicopulledPatriciatostandinfrontofhimandwrappedhisarmsaroundherwaist.Shegasped.“You
meanwithme?”

Insteadofanswering,Nicojumpedoffthecliff.Patriciashriekedonce,andthenNico’shuge,feathery
wingscaughttheminoutstretchedblackglory.

Heglidedonthehotwindfromthevalleyfloor,thenpumpedhiswingstotakethemhigher.Helovedthe
feelofthewindinhisfeathers,thestrengthofhiswingsholdingthemeasilyaloft.

AfterPatricia’sinitialfright,shewentveryquiet.Whenhelookedather,Nicosawthatshewasgrinning.

“Likeit?”heasked.

“Likeit?”Shelaughed.“Nico,Iloveyou!”

Thewordssmotehisheart.She’dsaidthembefore,whenhe’dfirstmadelovetoher,andhestillcouldn’t
becertainiftheycamefromherheartorfromthejoyofthemoment.

Hesoaredoverthevalleyandtothebarrenstretchtotheeast,notwantingtochancebeingseenby
farmersneartheriver,notsurehowfarBes’spowerstretched.Hewheeledoverthecliffs,againcatching
theupdrafttoglideacrossthevalleyanditsruins.

Thesunwasslidingwestward,streakingtheskywithredasithitthedustintheair.Twilightdescended,
quicklyfollowedbydusk.ThestarsweresilverpinpricksintheskyasNicolandedatthecliff-top
entrancetothecaveagain.

HeturnedPatriciainhisarmsandkissedher.Shetastedlikethewildjoyofflyingandthehoney
sweetnessofherself.Hewrappedhisarmsaroundherandloweredhertotheclean-cutfloor,lettinghis
wingscushionher.

“Letmepleasureyou,”hewhispered.

“Now?Righthere?”

Heswepthistonguethroughhermouth,feelingherrespondlikehe’dtaughther.

“Righthere.”

Patricia’spulsespedunderhistouch.“Whatiftheotherscomelookingforus?”

“Whatiftheydo?”

Hereyesburnedbright.“Thatwouldbebad.”

“Youlikeitbad,Patricia.”

“DoI?”

“You’vehaditsweet,nowletmeshowyourough.”

Shesmiled,aglintinhereye.“You’vetiedmeupbefore.AndIrememberagagonce.”

“Thatwasniceplaying.”Hebithercheek.“Imeanbad,Patricia.Doyoutrustme?”

Herpheromoneswerepouringfromher,herexcitementincreasing.“Yes.”

“Areyousureaboutthat?”

Foranswer,shelickedhimacrossthelips.Hiscocktingledandlifted.Shecertainlywantedtoplay.

Hecouldtellthedifferenceintheirkiss.Thingshadchangedbetweenthem,nolongershebeinguncertain
andheteachingher.She’dlearnedtogiveintohernaughtyself,theonethatlovedtwomeninherbed,
likedplayingwiththesilkscarvesaroundherwrists.

Nowshewantedmore,themosthecouldgiveher.Theirrelationshipwouldpeak;afterthis,she’dstart
losinginterestinhim,andheraffectionwoulddriftaway,maybeevenmanifestingitselfasdisgust.She
wouldn’tbeabletobelieveshe’dlethimdowhathedid—iftheirlovemakingevenlingeredinhermind.

“Strip,”hesaid.

Shestarted,thensmiledagain,glancingoverhershouldertoseeifanyonewasontheirwayupthe
passage.

Nicogrowled.“Imeannow.”Herippedopenherblousefromnecktowaist.Herhandscameuptostop
him,buthelethisgodstrengthandmagicmanifesttohaveherclothesinshredsandhernakedinseconds.

“Thatisn’tfair—”

“Idon’tcareaboutfair,”Nicosaid.Hesnatchedherupinhisarms,gothimselftotheedgeofthecliff,
andflewoffintothenightwithher.

PATRICIAhadseenmovieslikethis.Thesavagemandraggedthewomanoffwithhim,andtheothers
wentwildwithworry,butthewomandiscoveredthatbeneaththebeastlayaheartofgold.She’dalready
foundNico’sgentleheart,butshehadn’texperiencedhissavagestrength.

Insilencehecarriedherthroughthedesertnight,hernakedbodyagainsthisforwarmth.Something
seemedtojartheentireworld,thenhelandedinastrangeplacethatwasnothinglikewheretheyjust
were.

Sheseemedtobeonabalconyoverlookingalush,greenworld,perhapsanoasisinthedesert.Itwas
night,everythinginhuesofsilver,black,andgray.Theroombehindherhadamarblefloorandcushions
everywhere,nootherfurnitureexcepttwolowtablesheapedwithfoodanddrink.

Shestartedtoopenherpsychicsensestodiscoverwhereshewas,butNicoclampedhishandonherarm.
“No.Letitbe.”

“Why?WhereamI?”

“Inaworldofmymaking.Enjoyitforwhatitis.”

Shelookedperplexed.“Butwherearewereally?”

Foranswerheseizedherwristsandpushedherdownintothecushions.Hekissedher,hismouth
masterful,andshestoppedsquirming.

Nicowasheavyontopofher,nolongerplayfulandlaughing.Hewasstrong,pinningherwriststothe
floor.Beforeshecouldaskwhatheintendedtodohere,he’dshovedherlegsopenandthrusthimself

inside.

Whathedidtoher—whatshelethimdotoher—inthatroomamazedher.Sheneverthoughtshe’dlike
whathewanted,tosurrenderentirelytohimandlethimdoashepleased.

Hepumpedintoheruntiltheybothwerereadytoclimax,thenhewithdrew,flippedherontoherhands
andknees,andenteredherfrombehind.Theybothcamenotlongafterthat.Thenhemadeherstayinthat
positionwhileheworkedlubeintoherassandthenslidinsidethere.

Andreashaddonethis,butwithhimithadbeentingling,experimental,daringfun.Nicomeantbusiness.
Hefilledherandpinnedher,hisstrengthlettingherknowthathecoulddowhateverhewanted,andshe
couldn’tstophim.

Butheneverhurther.Ashardashedrove,asfirmlyasheheldherdown,itwasnothingbutpure
pleasure.

Afterward,hecarriedhertoabathroomliketheoneintheirCairohotelandlaidherinahugefountain
withwarmwaterrunningfromitsspigots.Hewashedherandhimself,thenhemadelovetoheragainst
thetile.

Hetiedhertooneofthespigotsandmadeherpromisehimallkindsofsexualfavorstosecureher
release.Thenhemadeherdothem.Theyusedthefruitandwinethatloadedthetwocandlelittables,he
feedingheroreatingfromherasheliked.

Whenshewasexhaustedfromthisplay,hecarriedhertothebalconyandletherrest,watchingthewind
inthetreesandthemoonlightonthelakethere.

Nicolaidhimselfontopofhertowarmher.“Ineverwantyoutoforgetme.”

Shegavehimasleepysmile.“HowcouldIever?”

“Youcould.ButIdon’twantyouto,evenifyouhateme.IknowIneverwillforgetyou.”

“Becauseofthecurse?”

“Becauseofyou.”

Theemptinessinhiseyeshurther.Sheknewshecouldneverreassurehim,andshealsoknewshedidn’t
reallyunderstandthecurseofthegoddess.BothheandAndreashaddecidedthatwhateverRebeccaor
Patriciadidcouldn’thelpthem.

“Ifyou’remyslave,”sheasked,“whycan’tIorderyouaround?You’vebeenprettymasterfulallnight.”

Aninterestedlightenteredhiseyes.“Whatwouldyoudo?”

“Oh...”Sheletherimaginationgoandbegantosmilewithwhereitwent.

Hetookherhandandwrappedherfingeraroundhisgoldchain.“Whatwouldyoudo?”herepeated.
“Commandme.”

ExcitementshotthroughPatricia.Whatwouldshedare?Buttheywereinaplaceofmagic,aplacethat

didn’treallyexist,andmaybeanythingshedidherewouldn’tbequitereal.Itwasafantasy,andNicowas
lettingherliveit.

“Allright,”shewhispered,thenpushedhimaway.“Getyourbuttbackinthatfountain.Now.”

Nicosuppressedasmileasherockedtohisfeetandsaunteredbackinside,hisbeautifulassmovingashe
walked.Laughingather,washe?

Patriciastalkedafterhim,andwhensheenteredthechamber,shefoundawhipinherhand.Shesnapped
it.

Itflewaroundandhitherownbareskin,stinginglikecrazy.Nicostartedforher,concerned,butPatricia
wavedhimoff,herfaceflaming.

Shepracticedwiththewhipuntilshemastereditbetter,andNicowatched,unabletohidehisgrin.

“Youaskedforit,buster,”shesaid.

Shecrackedthewhipagain,lovingthatshehadherownbeautiful,naked,willingslaveatherbeckand
call.

“You’renotinthefountain,”shesaid.“Standinit,againstthewall.”

Nicosteppedintothefountaintub,puttinghisbackagainsttheblue-and-green-tiledwall.Watertrickled
fromventsinthetop,coatinghisbodywithasheenofit.

Shewantedtostopandsalivate,butshekeptupherpersona.“Handsaboveyourhead.”

Nicolazilyraisedhisarms,crossinghiswrists.Shewonderedwhatshecouldusetobindhim,orbind
himto,whenmanaclessuddenlyappearedaroundthem.

“Youdoaconvenientfantasy,”shesaid.“Iwantyourwings,too.”

Theypeeledoutfrombehindhisback,splashingwaterdropletsalloverher.Heflutteredthem,then
settledthemalonghisbody.

Therehewas,awingedgod,sleekandwet,hisarmsstretchedabovehimandcrossedatthewrists.Every
musclegleamedwithwater,hisbodytightanddark.

“Youaresobeautiful,”shesaid.

Heonlysmiledather,hiseyessin-dark.

Hewasgivingheranincrediblegift.She’dknownNicolongenoughtoknowhehatedgivingupcontrol,
thathisbondtothecursechafedhim.Heturneditaroundbyassumingmasteryovertheonewhoenslaved
him,pleasuringhersowellthatshesurrenderedtohim.

Andherehewas,surrenderingtoher.

Hiscockwasalreadyhardandtight,tauntinghertodoherworst.Shesashayedforward,awarethathis
hungrygazerovedeveryinchofherbody.

Patriciahadneverconsideredherselfaknockout—pleasantinasubduedwaywasasfarasshe’dgo—but
Nicolookedatherlikeshewasthesexiest,mostdelectablewomanintheworld.Shefeltherpowerashe
lookedather.Hewantedher,andshecouldplaywiththat.

Firstshecamecloseenoughtoalmosttouchhim,bodytobody;then,whenhisgazeblazedwithneed,she
steppedbackafewinches.Somethingdangerousflickeredinhiseyes,andshelaughed.

Next,sheslidtheleatherofthewhipbehindhimandwrappeditaroundhiships,furtherpinninghim.His
cockpokedthroughacrisscrossoftheleather.

Shetieditoffandsteppedback,surveyinghercreation.Delectable.

PatriciasensedNico’sgodpowersrumblingthroughhisbody,andhimkeepingthemincheck.Ifshe
daredlowerherpsychicshields,hisaurawouldnodoubtthrowheracrosstheroom.

Hewascalminghimselfforher,lettingherenjoyherillusionthatshecontrolledhim.

Patriciaeasedherselftoherkneesinfrontofhim.Leaningcarefullysothatshedidn’ttouchhim,sheblew
onhisstiff,smoothtip.

Hemovedslightly,agroanescapinghismouth.Patricialickedwhereshe’dblown,rewardedbyalouder
groanandashiftofbody.

“You’rekillingme,”hesaidhoarsely.

“You’reademigod,”Patriciasaidbrightly.“You’llgetoverit.”

Hesaidsomethingunderhisbreathshedidn’tunderstand,butsherecognizedswearingwhensheheardit.
Shefeltalittleglowofsatisfaction.

Patriciagotupandfetchedthelubethey’dused,thenreturnedtosmearitalloverhiscock.Sherubbedit
in,lettingherfingersdance,slidingunderhisballsandplayingwiththem.

Hemovedandgroaned,strainingagainsthisbonds.Shecaughtupaslimcandlestickfromoneofthe
tables,sanscandle,andsliditbetweenhislegs.Hepartedthem,andsherubbeditoverhisthighsand
ballsandbuttocks.

Hewassweating,thewaterstilltricklingoverhim,hiswingsflutteringandflatteningagainstthewall.He
rockedhiships,helpingherpleasehimwiththecandlestick.

“I’mgoingtocome,”hemoaned.“Letmebeinyourmouth.”

“NotuntilIsay.”Sheunwoundthewhipfromhimandcrackeditintheair,pleasedwithhernewfound
skill.

“Please,”hebegged.

“No.”

Heglaredather,adivinebeingwhodidn’twanthiswishesdenied.

“WhenI’mready,”Patriciasaid.

Nicogrowled,hiswingsslappingthewall.Shekneltagainandopenedhermouthwide,takinghiswhole
cockinside.

Hisgroanrangthroughtheroom.Sheslidherlubedfingersbetweenhisbuttocksandwarmedhisanalstar
beforeslidingonegentlyinside.

Hermouthneverletupitsplaywhileshecarefullycaressedhisass.BeautifulNicostoodstillandlether,
eventhoughhecouldatanytimesmashawaythechainsandtakehertothefloor.

Shesuckedhimalittlelonger,thenwithdrewandlookedup.

Hishairwaswetandplasteredtohisface,hiseyesheavy,cheekbonesflushed.Hiswingsmoved
restlessly.

“Now,”shewhispered.“Nowyoucancome.”

Sheclosedhermouthoverhimagain,justashecriedhisreleaseandshothisseedoverherlips.

Shesmiledupathimaroundhiscock,herheartfull.Iloveyou,Nico,shewantedtosay.

Asthoughheheardthesilentwords,heroared.Herippedhishandsapart,themanaclesbreakingand
fallingbeforetheydissipatedintomist.

HescoopedPatriciafromthefloorandranwithhertothecushionsofthebedroom.Stillhard,hepushed
intoher,makinglovetoheruntilherlaughterturnedtoscreams.

Then,whenhe’dcomeasecondtime,heheldheragainsthim,hisheartthuddingbeneathhishotskin.The
beautifulandstrangeroomdissolved,andtheywerelyinginthedustytombatAmarna,snugontheircot.

“Wasitadream?”shewhisperedassheslidintosleep.

“No,”hesaid.

18

REBECCAclosetedherselfwiththeinscriptionforthenextfivedaysstraight.Shesleptdownthere,
barelyrememberingtoeatordrink.

ItmadeAndreascrazy.Hehoveredoverher,growlingathertotakewaterorshe’ddehydrate.Rebecca
woulddrink,butabsently,staringupatthehieroglyphsandjottingnoteslikecrazy.

“She’llkillherself,”AndreassaidtoNicoandPatriciawheretheylikedtositonthecliffside.Rebecca
hadtoldhimpointedlytoleavethetombandstopinterruptingher.Andreashadn’twantedtoleaveher
alone,butherfrazzledlooktoldhimheshouldgivehersometimetocalmdown.“She’llkillherselffor
nothing,”hecontinued.

“She’satrainedarchaeologist,”Patriciasaid.“She’sprobablylikethiswithallherfinds.Itexcitesher—
likemewithantiques.”

Andreasonlygrowledback,“Thisiscrazy.”

OfcoursePatriciawouldtakeRebecca’sside,andNicowassotwistedaroundPatricia,hewouldn’ttry
tohelp.Andreasknewwhyhewascrabby.HewasworriedaboutRebecca,worriedthattheinscription
meantnothing,worriedhewasabouttoloseher.

Also,Rebeccaworkedontheinscriptionuntilshefellasleepinexhaustion,andAndreashadn’thadthe
chancetobewithher.Hesnuggleddownwithheratnight,butshewastoofargoneforsexualgames,and
hewastooboundtohertoreturntoPatriciaforrelief.Hehadtoreleasehimselfbeforeheboiledover.

Sometimes,whenNicoandPatriciaweren’thavingsex,he’dgowiththemdowntotheruins,andPatricia
wouldtellthemaboutthespecialkingdomthathadbeenbuiltthere.Akhenatenhaddesignedandbuilt
AmarnatogivereverencetoAten,thegodofthesundisc.He’dmovedthecapitalherefromThebes,to
theconsternationofthepowerfulpriestsofAmun.Archaeologistsstillweren’tsurewhattomakeof
Akhenaten,andmanyconflictingtheoriesabounded.He’dbeenmarriedtothebeautifulNefertitiand
possiblysiredthefamousTutankhamun.

Theruinsweren’tasromanticasthepyramidsatGizaortheTempleofKarnak,fartothesouth,but
PatriciaseemedfascinatedbythemosaicsonthefloorofNefertiti’spalace.

Duringthistime,theysawnoone.Notourists,nofarmers,nopolice.Noone.Beswasprotectingthem
well.

Andreaswasn’tquiteasinterestedintheruinsasPatriciawas,notcaringmuchabouthowpeople
worshipedlong-agogods.Mostofthegodshe’dknownhadbeenpowerful,arrogant,obnoxiousshits.
Besbetrayedhislesserstatusbybeingnice.GodsofAndreas’spantheonwereonlygenerouswhenthey
wantedsomething.

Atnight,afterRebeccafellasleep,Andreaswouldbecometoorestlesstostayput.He’dchangetohis
leopardformandenjoyhimselfracingacrosstherocks,baskinginthecoolofthenight.Thestarswere
unobstructedbypollutionhereandstretchedthickandwhiteacrossthehorizon.Helongedtoshow
Rebeccathisbeauty,butthedamnwomanwouldn’tcomeoutofhertomb.

Onenighthereturnedfromhisnocturnalexplorationandpulledonhispants,incaseBes,whoturnedout
tobeextremelymodest,sawhim.Hewanderedbarefootbackdowninsidethetomb,annoyedthatthe
lightswerestillon.Rebeccawasstillatwork.

Andreasenteredthelowerroomandstopped.Rebeccahadfallenasleepovertheinscription,herface
childlikeinslumber.

Andreassmiled,thenwenttoherandsmoothedbackherhair.Shemadeasoftsighathistouch,thenas
herawarenessreturned,shejumpedandwoke.

Andreaskneltnexttoher,stillstrokingherhair.Hekissedhercheek,tryingtokeephisimpatienceand
raginglustincheck.Shesmellednice,warmanddampfromsleep,hermussedhairexactlylikeitwould
bewhenshelefthisbed.

“Didyoufinish?”

Rebeccalookedmomentarilyconfused,thenherfacecleared.“Ithinkso,”shesaidheavily.Shethrewher
armsaroundhimandburiedherfaceinhisshoulder.“Allthatwork,anditdoesn’thelpyouatall.”

Andreasgentlypriedthepapersfromherfingers.“Cometobed.”

“Iwanttocheckafewmorethings.”

“No,youdon’t.”

AndreassweptherintohisarmsandcarriedheruptotheantechamberwheresheandPatriciahadtheir
cots.PatriciawaswithNico,heknew.Nicohadtakenhersomewheretobealonewithherashehaddone
oflate.

Rebecca,ontheotherhand,hadkeptonworking.Hecarriedhertohercotandlaidheronit,wipingthe
tearsfromhereyes.

Heknewinhisheartthattheirmissionwasafailure.WhateverBeswastryingtodo—infuriateHera,or
provehewasmorepowerfulthanothergodsgavehimcreditfor—hedidn’tknow.Itdidn’tmatter.Hehad
knownfromthestartthatitwasalongshot,andhe’dkeptgoingbecausehehadn’twantedtogiveupthe
chancetobewithRebecca.

Hestrippedoffherclotheswithouthereitherresistingorhelpinghim,thenheopenedhisjeanstoshow
herhowhardhewasforher.Rebeccalooked,herpheromonesstartingtostir.

Shereachedupandgraspedhisswollencock,herlighttouchmakinghimwanttofuckherthenandthere.
Heresisted,lettinghertouchtoherenjoyment.

“Areyousureyouwouldn’tratherbewithPatricia?”sheasked.

He’dwonderedhowmuchshe’dknownaboutthethreesome.“Thatwasjustplaytime,sweetheart.Now
it’sallyou.”

Herstrokesonhimgrewbolder,andthenshesatupandkissedthetipofhiscock.“That’sit,baby.Do
whateveryouwantwithit.”

Ahungrylookenteredhereyes.Shestudiedhislength,touchinglightlyasthoughlearninghim.She
swipedhimwithhertongueafewtimes,andheheldstillandlether.

Whenshe’dplayedalittlelonger,heeasedherdowntothebed.

“Iwanttosuckonyousomemore,”shewhispered.

Heknewshedid,andhecravedit,too.Hepulledhisjeansandunderwearoffandgotonhiskneesonthe
bed.Hestraddledher,thenleanedforwardsohecouldputhismouthonherpussy.

Lovelylittleblondcurlsmethistongue,andheflickedthemuntilherlegsopenedforhim.Hebreathed
herscent,allfemalemuskwantinghim.

“Suckonme,Becky,”hesaid.

Hefelthermovehiscockwithherfingers,andthenhersweet,hotmouthclosedoverit.Shesuckled
softly,andhegroaned.

Heloweredtoherquimagainandlickedit.Hestartedtolapit,lovingthetasteofher.

Shekeptworkingonhiscock,andhefithismouthtoherclit,suckingheratthesametimeshesuckedhim.
Herhipsshifted,excitementtakingover.

Heneededsomuchtofuckher.Hermouthwasfantastic,buthewantedtodipintothisprettylittlepussy
andfeelitsqueezehimhard.

Heheldback.LikeNico,hedidn’twanttorushthingsandhavethemovertoosoon.Hewantedtosavor
her,everyminuteofher,andthenhaveanamazingclimaxwithherbeforeitwasallover.

Andreascouldn’timaginenothavingthispixieofawomaninhislifeanymore,butheknewitwould
happen.Soonerratherthanlater.

Thedespairmadehimgrowl.“Comeon,baby,suckme.”

Rebeccadoubledherefforts,hermouthandtonguedoingwonderfulthingstohim.Inreturn,hekissedand
lickedandsuckledheruntilherhipsliftedfromthebed,andshebegantocome.

Hersweetcreamfilledhismouth,hotandwet,andshewrithedallovertheplace,herteethclosing
aroundhiscock.Shesuckedhard,toofargoneinecstasytobegentle.

Andreasdidn’tmind.Hemovedhiships,fuckinghermouth,whilehepettedherpussytobringherback
downagain.Soonhewascoming,too,shoutinghisreleaseasshepulleditintoherthroat.

Everythingwentblackforamoment,hiscomingwassohard;thenhefoundhimselfcollapsedonthebed,
withhersmilingandsnugglinguptohim.

“Canwefuck?”sheaskedsleepily.“Imean,forreal?”

Hetouchedherface,hercomestillalloverhislips.“Anamazingclimaxisn’tgoodenoughforyou?”

“Itwaswonderful—betterthanwonderful,but...”Shegavehimawistfulsmile.“Iwantyouinsideme.

ThenI’llbelievethatyou’rereallymine.”

Andreasfingeredthegoldchainaroundhisneck.“Iamreallyyours.”

“Idon’tmeanthat.”Tearsfilledhereyes.“Imeanthatyoumightliketobewithme,notjustrespondingto
thewhimofsomegoddess.”

Andreastriedtokeephisheartcold,butprettyRebeccawastearingaholeinit.“Idowanttobewith
you,sweetheart.That’swhyIwanttosaveit.”Hehesitated.“Theinscriptionhasnothingonitthatwill
freeus,doesit?”

Shelookedmournfulandshookherhead.

“That’sallright,darling,”hesaid.Hepulledheragainsthim,restinghischeekonherhair.“Ididn’treally
thinkitwould.SoI’mgoingtosavoryouaslongasIcan,allright?Andkeeponsavoringyou,untilthe
endisthebestbothofuswilleverhave.”

NICOcradledPatriciaagainsthimastheylistenedtothedisappointingnews.Beshadmadethemall
coffee,lookingproudthathe’dmasteredtheart.Itwasthick,syrupyEgyptiancoffee,butPatriciaand
Rebeccadrankitwithoutcomment.

“It’sastory,”Rebeccasaid.“Ahomily,ifyouwill.Idon’tthinkanyone’sseenthiswallexceptBesuntil
wegothere,butI’mbettingthisstorywasknowninotherplaces,andtheGreekscopieditontowhat
becameourostraconbecauseit’samoraltale.Egypt’spowerhadwaned;eventhetalesoftheirgods
werestartingtobeforgotten.SomeofthenamesgotchangedorsuperimposedonEgyptianonesor
hybridizedtomakeentirelynewgodnames,whichiswhyitwashardtofigureout.”

“Nevermindthehistorylesson,”Andreasbegan.Nicosharedhisimpatience,butPatriciastoppedhim.

“Leaveheralone.Sheworkedherassoffonthis.”

Rebeccascrubbedherhandoverhertiredface,distractedinsteadofangry.“WhatI’mtryingtoexplainis
thatthepriestsstartedtouseEgyptianstories,butthisstorycamefromevenmoreancienttimesthan
Amarna—beforetherewasmuchcivilizationinGreeceatall,backwhenlegendsaysthegodswalkedthe
earthwithoutrestriction.WhatthiswallshowsisthestoryofNicoandAndreas.OrNikolausandAndrei,
astheywerethen.”

Patriciasatforward,whileNicotriedtohidethebiteofdisappointment.Rebecca’sfacewasdrawn,and
heknewthey’dreachedadeadend.

“Whatdoesitsay?”Patriciaprompted.

Rebeccalookedoverwhatshehadwritten.“It’slongandflowery,buttosummarize,thesonsofthegods,
NikolausandAndrei,werewildanduntamed.Nikolaushadwingsofsoftestsable;Andreitooktheform
ofabeautifulleopard,andtogethertheypursuedandseducedastheyliked.

“OnedaytheyabductedapriestessofHera.Shefellinlovewiththemanddidwhatevertheywanted,
thentheyabandonedherfortheirnextconquest.Thepriestess,spurnedandangry,prayedtoHerafor
vengeance.Heradevisedapotionforher,whichthepriestesssprinkledonAndreasandNicoasthey
slept.

“Whentheyawoke,theyagainpursuedthenextmaidentheysaw,butsuddenly,insteadofwishingonlyto
fulfilltheirlust,theybecameherslavesandfoundchainsaroundtheirnecks.Whenthemaidenwas
finishedenjoyingthem,shebanishedthemfromher,andtheyhadtoleavewithbrokenhearts.Whenthey
spiedanothermaiden,theysoughttoregaintheirlustfulways,butthesamethinghappened.Asitwillto
eternity.”

Rebeccasighedandpushedasideherscribbling.“Thepointofthestoryisthatpursuinglustforitsown
sakewillonlyreturntopunishthelustful,whiletruelovewillberewardedwithhappiness.Itusesthe
taleofNicoandAndreas,ourNicoandAndreas,todrivethepointhome.That’sall.”

Theywereallsilentforamoment.Faroutsideinthenight,abirdcried,butexceptforthat,allwasquiet.

“That’sit?”Andreasasked.

“Afraidso,”Rebeccaanswered.

Andreasgotabruptlytohisfeetandstalkedtotheentrance,lookingsightlesslythroughthedarkopening.
NicoslidhishandintoPatricia’s.

“It’sastorytoteachtheevilsoflust,”Rebeccasaidglumly.“Nothingabouthowtofreeyourselffromthe
curse.I’msorry.”

Patriciawasfrowning,notindisappointmentbutinconfusion.“Iftheinscriptionmeansnothing,why
weretheDyonssoadamantaboutusnotfindingit?Theydidn’tneedtopursueussohardifitdoesn’thelp
us.”

Nicoshrugged.“Heraistricky.Shecouldhavesentthemtokeepusonthepath,todriveusthiswaywhen
theanswer—ifoneexists—laysomewhereelse.OrasAndreassuggestedtome,it’sjustanotherwayto
twisttheknife.”

“Torturingus,youmean,”Andreassaidwithoutturning.

“Somethinglikethat.”

Rebeccastoodup.“Well,I’dliketotalktoher.Askherrightnowwhatshehopedtoobtainbykeeping
youtrappedforcenturies.Sure,I’dhavebeenpissed,too,ifyou’dmadelovetomeanddumpedme,butI
mean,keepingyoutrappedforeonsisinsane.Ithinkyoulearnedyourlesson.”

Nicotriedtokeephisvoiceneutral.“Maybethespellistheonlythingthat’skeepingusnice.Perhapsif
thespellisbroken,AndreasandIgobacktowhatwewere,learningnothing.”

Andreassnorted.“Ourslaveryisbasedontheideathatweneverfellinlove—didn’tunderstandwhatit
waslike.Shethinksweneverdidanythingbutsatisfyourlust,soshehadtoteachuswhatthepainoflove
was.Butthatisn’ttrue.Ifellinlove,andlost,andhurt,longbeforeallthisstarted.”

“Me,too,”Nicosaid.“AndbecauseofHera,IlosteverythingIcouldhavehad.”

RebeccaandPatriciaexchangedalook,bothstubborn,bothsosuretheycouldsolveanyproblemifthey
pickedatitlongenough.HesqueezedPatricia’shand,adullacheinhisheartasherealizedthathewas

goingtoloseeverythingthatcouldhavebeen.

“It’sover,Patricia,”hesaid.“YouandRebeccashouldgosoon.We’regoingtoloseyouanyway—might
aswellgetitoverwith.”

“Ifwedidthat,whatwouldyoudo?”Patriciaasked.

Andreasturnedaroundagain,hisfacehard.“Whatwealwaysdo.Exist.”

Existence,notlife.Nicofeltthefamiliarburninhisheart,thepainthatneverquitewentaway.

Besscannedthewall,hisfriendlyfacedistressed.“Theremustbesomethinginthisyoucanuse.”

“Idon’tknowwhat,”Rebeccasnapped.

BesturnedhopefullytoPatricia.“Maybeitsayssomethingtoyou,asyoucallit,psychically?”

Patriciastudiedthewallasshehadmanytimessincetheirarrival.“I’vetriedthat,butit’sjustanordinary
wall.Imean,ordinaryforanintacttombpaintingfromthreethousandyearsago.”

“Iwassocertain.”

AndreassmoothlysteppedtoBes,grabbedhislapels,andliftedhimfromhisfeet.“Whatisyourinterest
inallthis,Bes?DidHerasendyoutowatchus?Areyougoingtoreporthowupsetwearesoshecan
gloat?”

BessqueakedashehungfromAndreas’sgrip.“No,no.Ipromise.”

“Why,then?WhyshouldyoucarewhethertwoGreekdemigodsgotfreeofacurse?”

“Becauseitisunjust.”Beslookedindignant,hisdarkeyesflashing.“WhenIheardyouweretryingto
breakthecurse,andIfoundoutwhatkindofcurseitwas,Iwassoangry.Sheisagreatgoddess,suchas
ourownIsis,butsheistooarrogant.Howdareshepunishyoulikethis?”

“Andifyoucangetusfree,youcanrubherfaceinit?”

Beswethislips.“Somethinglikethat.Shecannothaveitherownwayallthetime.”

“ThwartingHeraisdangerous,”Nicoobserved.

“Yes,butitneedstobedone,”Bessaid.“PerhapsIamtheonlyonebraveenoughtodoit.”

Andreasshookhim.“Whatyoumeanisyouthinkyouhavetheweightofyourpantheonbehindyou,that
IsisandOsiriswillprotectyou.”

Besshruggedthebesthecould.“Ifthatistheonlyway.Isiswouldnotopenlydefyaheadgoddessof
anotherpantheon,butshewouldnotletHerahurtme.”

“Anditwouldgiveyousomuchmorecloutwiththeothergods,”Andreassuggested.“Theymighteven
havetotakeyouseriously.”

PatriciaadvancedonAndreas.“Oh,leavethepoormanalone.Hetriedtohelpus.Ifithadworked,you’d

bepraisinghimtotheskiesandbuyinghimbeer.”

Andreasreturnedthemantohisfeetandsteppedback,scowlingbutknowingPatriciawasright.

NicocametoPatriciaandslidhisarmsaroundherfrombehind.Sheleanedbackintohim,butshewas
angry;hecouldfeelitthrummingthroughher.

“Youtried,”hewhispered.“I’llalwaysrememberthatyoutried.Thankyou.”

Patriciagavehimaglare.“I’mnotgivingupyet.Ifwedothistogether,Nico,we’ll—”

Shebrokeoff,staringatsomethingbehindNico.Atthesametime,Andreassnarledandshiftedintohis
leopardform,shakingofftheclothesthatrippedfromhim.

Nicoturned.TheroomhadfilledwithDyons.

Besdrewhimselfup.“Howdareshe?Thisismydomain.”

TheDyonsstoodinarow,aboutadozenofthem,shouldertoshoulder,awallofmuscle.Bescrackled
withlightandthrewitatthemwithhishands.

TheDyonsflinched,butthelightdeflectedfromthem.Theywerebeingprotected.Butthatmeant...

Nicofeltitfirst.HedraggedPatriciatothefloor,shieldingherwithhisbodyastheairrentand
everythinginsidethetombexploded.

Thewallpaintingscrackedandburstintoamillionpieces.Thestonesarcophagus,whichRebeccahad
beenusingasadesk,splintered,thedrymummyinsidecrumblinginstantlytodust.Piecesoflimestone
andalabaster,andchipsofpaintshowereddownontheminaneedlelikerain.

Patriciacoughedasthetombfilledwithdustandcrumbling,ancientpaint.Thetombitselfdidn’tfall,the
stoneblocksstrongandenduring,buteverythingelsewasgone.

Astheaircleared,heheardRebeccawailing.“No,notthewallpainting!”

Nicosatup.Beswascoughing,hisblackhaircoatedwithyellowdust.

Rebeccahuddledinaballbytheremainsofthesarcophagus.Andreas,stillaleopard,pacedatherfeet,
stoppingtoshakethedustfromhisfur.

Patriciagasped.“TheDyons.”

Theyweremelting,collapsinginonthemselves.Theirbodiesspundownintodust,returningtotheclay
fromwhichthey’dbeenshaped.

Atallwomanrosefromthemiddleofthem,alarge,stoutmatronwrappedinGrecianrobes.Shehadvery
blackhair,largedarkeyes,andacoldhauteurthatfrozethemoleculesintheair.

Besranather,enraged.“Thistombisundermyprotection.Youdon’tbelonghere.”

“Oh,please,”thematronresponded.Shewavedherhand,andBestumbledbackacrosstheroom.
Andreassnarled,furrising.

“Soyoualmostfoundthesecret,”thewomansaidtoNico.“Butyoudidn’tknowwhattodowithit.”

Nicoraisedhisbrows.“Itishere,then.”

“Yes,butgonenow.Somestupidpriestinthisbackwardlandlikedthestory,andhewroteinthesolution.
Ifyouhadbeensmarter,youwouldhaveunderstoodimmediately.”

Andreas’sgrowlsgrewloudandlong.Nicohopedhewouldn’tdoanythingstupidlikeleaponher,
becauseHeracouldkillhim.Theyweredemigods,notgods.Theirtaintedhalfbloodmeantthatthegods
couldkillthemiftheysawfit.

“ButIamcompassionate,”Herawenton.Sheadjustedtheclothoverheramplebosom,hereyes
narrowing.“Ihavecometoendyoursuffering.”

“How?”Patriciademanded.“You’llbreakthecurse?”

“No,mydear.Iwillendtheirlong,miserablelives.Thatwillfreeyouaswell,togetbacktoyourlittle
store.”

“No.”PatriciabrokefromNico’shold.“Youcan’t;Iwon’tletyou.”

Nicoseizedher.“Patricia,don’t.”Herainthisformlookedlikeaharmlesswomanouttodoher
shopping,butshewasthemostpowerfulgoddessinthepantheon,bad-temperedandunpredictable.

Heralookedatherinpity.“Youpoorthing.Bowtomeandthankmeforrelievingyouofthispathetic
fixation.”

Patricia’skneesbent,thoughsheobviouslytriedtoholdback.Shestifflysanktothefloor,andherbody
foldedoveruntilherfacetouchedthedust.

Nicogaveintoanger.Hiswingssplittheshirtfromhisback,andhesailedacrossthefloorandbowled
intothegoddess.

HerathrewNicoacrosstheroom.Helandedhardonhisbackandfeltthesnapofbones,bothwingand
body.

HeheardAndreasgrowlinghisleopardgrowlandrolledoverintimetoseeHeraslamhimtotheground
inanotherburstofpower.Rebeccascreamed.Andreas’spawsscrabbledonthestonefloor,thensuddenly
hewentlimpandstill,hiseyescloudingover.

Rebeccacrawledtohim,crying.Sheflungherselfonhim,strokinghisdust-chokedfur.

HerafixedherattentiononNicoagain,andthroughhispain,hesensedherpowerdrawtoapoint.She
wasgoingtoreleaseitathim,andthenNicowoulddie.

“Patricia,”hecroaked.“Iloveyou.”

Heraletfly.Herpowerwastoomightytolookat,ahugegoldenlightthatwasadeadlymissile.Through
hisblurredvision,NicosawBesstepquicklyinfrontofhimandtaketheentirebruntoftheblast.

19

BES’SbodyabsorbedHera’spower,expandinghideously,thenheexplodedwithlight.Thewhitenessof
itfilledthetomb,burningfireonNico’sretinas.HewantedtoreachPatricia,toprotecther,buthe
couldn’tmove.

Whenthelightdied,BesstooduprightinfrontofHera.HenolongerlookedlikeanEgyptianbutashort
manwithalionlikefacewithhornsinhisdarkhair.

“Thisismyjurisdiction,”hesaid.“Itoldyou.”

HeraregardedBesinfury,hermatronlyformelongatingtosomethingpowerfulandhuge.“Andthosetwo
lasciviousdemigodsaremycreatures.Guardyourmummifiedmanandgivethosetwotome.”

“No,”Bessaid.“Ireadthestoryonthewall,too,alongtimeago,andIknowwhatitmeans.”

Hera’sfacewentwhite.“Ithasnothingtodowithyou.”

“It’sallaboutlovebeingstrongerthanlust.”

Shedrewherselfup,thrummingwithpower.“Whatofit,littlegod?”

“Whatareyougoingtodowiththatone?”Besasked,pointingatAndreas’sstillbody.

Nico’sgriefhithimhard.TheoneconstantinhislifehadbeenAndreas,hissnarling,snarky,smart-ass
companioninhell.Andreaslaylifelessonthetombfloor,hiseyesstaringsightlessly.

Rebeccahaddrapedherselfoverhim,moaningincoherently.Patriciasatagainstawall,herkneesdrawn
toherchest,crying,dustsmearedonhercheeks.

“He’snothingtome,”Herasaid.“Abastardfatheredbymypromiscuoushusband.”

“Ifyoudon’twanthim,”Besaskedher,“willyougivehimtome?”

Hera’seyesnarrowed.“Why?”

“Asatreat.Tocompensatemefordestroyingmytomb.”

Heraregardedhimwearily.“Doasyoulikewithhim.Iresignallclaim.Willyoumummifyhim?”

“No.”Besgrinnedather,hislowstatureandthehornsmakinghimlookcocky.“Doyougiveupallclaim
onhim?”

“Ifyouinsist.NotmuchmorevengeanceIcantakeonadeadleopard.”

“Excellent.”Besbeamed.

Nicocouldonlywatch,brokenandinpain,asBeswenttoAndreasandputakindhandonRebecca’s
shoulder.

“Mydear,Ithinkyoushouldgositwithyourfriend.”

RebeccaclungtoAndreas’sbody.“Leavehimalone.”

Patriciastaggeredtoherfeet.ShewenttoRebeccaandpulledherup,lettingthesmallergirlcryonher
shoulder.SheledRebeccaawayandtheybothsankdownnexttoNico.NicowatchedPatricia,unableto
reachforher.

BesstraightenedAndreas’slimbs,whichwerealreadystiff.Heshookhisheadinpity.

“Hedidn’tdeservetodie.”

“Heisamalecreaturewhogavefemalecreaturesmuchmisery.”

“Andyet,thislittleoneweepsforhim.”BespointedtoRebecca,beingsoothedbyPatricia.

Herashrugged.“Shewascaughtinmycurse.”

“Butsheisfreeofitnow,yes?”

“Sheshouldbe.”

“Andyet,shestillgrieves.”

Heradidnotlookimpressed.“Shewillrecoversoon.”

“Imustthinkhowtoeaseherpain.”Besrubbedhishandstogether.“I’vealwayswantedtotrythis.”

“Trywhat?”

“Reanimation.”

Herasnorted.“Youneedmuchpowertodothat.Getitwrong,andhe’sazombieleopard—notpretty.”

BesgaveheraWell,maybelookandcontinuedtopositionAndreas’sbody.

Patricialookedupinhorror.“Can’tyoujustleavehimalone?”SheglaredatHera.“There’sadifference
betweentakingvengeanceandtorturingsomeonebecauseyouenjoyit.”

“Patricia,”Nicowhispered.

Shedidn’thearhim,oratleastshepretendednotto.ShecradledRebeccaagainstherandbravelyfaced
themostpowerfulgoddessintheGreekpantheon.

HeragotagleaminhereyeNicodidn’tlike.“Isee.”SheturnedbacktoBes.“Well,getonwithit.”

Theroomdimmed.NicowonderedifthegeneratorpowerwastiedtoBes,andnowthatheneededtouse
moreofhismagic,thelightsweregoing.OrmaybeitwasNico’svision.Hewasinsomuchpainhe
couldn’ttellifhewasdyingornot.

Thingshaddefinitelygottendarker.WhitelightconcentratedaroundBes,andthesmallgodclosedhis
eyes,lipsmovingsilently.

Herawatched,asmirkonherface.ThelightcoalescedaroundBes,touchingAndreassoftlyandmaking

hisopeneyesshine.

Bes’spowerburstoutfromhiminanincrediblewave,ripplessendingtherubblebouncingaroundthe
floor.PatriciadrewprotectivelyclosertobothNicoandRebecca,andRebeccaliftedherheadtowatch
withdulleyes.

Andreas’sbodyleaptasthoughelectricityhadlickedthroughit.Theleopardjerked,limbsstiff,andthen
slowlycameupright,asthoughdraggedbypuppetstrings.

Rebeccastartedtocrawlforward.“No,please,leavehimalone.”

Patriciadraggedherbackagain,urginghertokeepstill.

Heralaughed.“Thereisadifferencebetweenreanimationandresurrection.Youobviouslyhavethem
confused,Bes.”

Theleopardwasonitsfeet,notalive,butstandingonitsown.Nicofeltsicktohisstomach.

“Youarecorrect.”Bessmiled.“Ican’tdoaresurrection,butmyfriendscan.”

Hepointedtosomethinghighupononewall.Apaintingstillclungthere,havingmiraculouslyescapedthe
explosion.Thereweretwofigures:awomanwithlong,thinhornsonherheadinatransparentdress,and
amanfacingher.IsisandOsiris,Nicorealized,thegoddessandthehusbandshe’dbroughtbackfromthe
dead.

“IsisandOsiris,”Besshouted.“Lendmeyourstrength.”

Thepaintingbegantocrack.Beforeitcrumbledintonothing,ashaftoflightlitupBes,whichhe
transferredtotheleopard.

Nicoheldhisbreath.SuddenanimationsprangintoAndreas’seyes,andthebigcatyawned.Thenewlife
rippleddownhisbodyfromearstotail—Nicocouldfollowthewaveallthewaydown.AtlastAndreas
didafullcatstretchandshookhimself.

Stillbathedinlight,Andreasroseonhishindlegsandtookonhishumanform,stretchingtall.Rebecca’s
eyeslitwithjoy.

ThethingoldchainaroundAndreas’sneckbrokewithanaudiblesnap,andthepiecesclinkedtothefloor.
Andreasputhishandtohisthroatinwonder,thenhelaughed.

“Ha!”RebeccashoutedtoHera.“Yousaidyouresignedallclaimtohim,whichmeanshe’snolonger
underyourcurse.”

Hera’seyesblazed,andsheraisedherhand,powergatheringinherpalm.

“No,”Bessaidquickly.“Yougavehimtome.Heismycreaturenow,protectedbythepowerofIsis.”

Herastaredathim,thenfoldedherhand,andthelightfaded.“Isupposeitdoesn’tmatter.Heisnothing.
Anunimportantdemigod.”

Andreaslaughedagain.Heclosedhishandsaroundhisthroat,hisblueeyesdancingwithmirth.

“Inthatcase,”AndreassaidtoHera,hisvoicestrongandpowerful,“Ihavesomethingtotellyou.”

Hegrewtaller,hisdemigoddivinityfillingthechamber.Hechangedagainintoaleopard—histrue
leopardform,hugeandpowerfulandpainfullybright.

“Fuckyou.”Andreasendedonaveryleopardsnarl,thenheleaptstraightupwardandvanished.

Rebeccawasonherfeet.“Whatdidyoudotohim?”

“Shedidn’tdoanything,”Nicosaid.Hisheartlightened,joythatAndreaswasbeyondherreach
mitigatingsomeofthepaininsidehim.“He’sfree.”

“Butwheredidhego?”

“Whoknows?”Nicowantedtolaugh.“Itdoesn’tmatter.”

Hera’soutragefaded,replacedbyaknowingsmile.“Howdoesitfeel,Nikolaus?Yourfriend,boundto
youformillennia,desertingyouwhenyoumostneedhim?”SheswitchedhergazetoRebecca.“How
doesitfeelforyou,dear?Yousee,heneverlovedyou,neverevenlikedyou.Heusedyouwith
absolutelynothoughtofcaringforyou.Doesthatmakeyouangry?Wouldyoulikemetopunishhim?”

ShewatchedRebeccahopefully,butRebeccaonlylookedbackather.

“No.I’mhappyhe’sfreeofyou.Lethimrunwildifthat’swhathewants.”

“Howdisappointing.”Herlookhardened,andNicounderstoodthatRebeccahadchangedinHera’seyes
fromAndreas’svictimtoHera’senemy.

“Howdoesitfeel?”Heraaskedheragain.“Toknowthattheonlymanwhofoundyoubeautifulwasa
liar?Hedidn’tthinkyoubeautifulatall.Heonlywantedyoutotranslatetheinscriptionforhim,andhe’d
havedoneanythingtomakeyoudoit.”

Rebeccawatchedherexpressionlessly.Nicowantedtosmilehisencouragement.

WhatHeracouldn’tseeinRebeccawashercourageandstrength,herfortitude.Shewasnotawoman
whowouldcrumpleandfallbecauseanotherwomantoldhershecouldn’tcatchaman.

“Youknow,”Rebeccasaidmildly,“mydissertationadvisorwasmuchbetterwithinsultsthanyou.And
stillIgotmyPhDwithhonors.”

Hera’sbrowsrose.“Youarequiteamusing,mydear.Andreashasjustdesertedyou.Itdoesn’tmatter
whetheryoucareaboutthetruthsItellyou.He’sleftyou.”

“Ifhewouldonlycometomebecausehewascompelled,thenIdon’twanthim,”Rebeccasaid.

“Howbraveyouare.”

Shesoundedlikeshewaslosinginterest.HeraglancedoveratNico,whocouldn’tmoveforpain.“The
questionnowisnotAndreas,itiswhatIwilldowithyou.”

“You’lldonothing.”Patriciasaid.She’dgonetostandwithRebecca.“Nicoisstillunderthepowerof

yourcurse.Isn’tthatgoodenough?”

“Notreally.SomeonehastopayforAndreasescapingme,andBesisbeyondmyreach.”

“He’salreadyhurt.Hecan’tevenmove.”

Herasmiledsadly.“Iseethat.Poorlittledemigod.Iwillhavetorepairhim.”

SheraisedherhandandsentaballoflighttoNico.Hegaspedastheshockofithithim.

Mendinghisboneshurtworsethanthebreakingofthem.Heclenchedhisteeth,holdinginhisagony.His
bonescrackedandsnappedastheymeldedtogether,hiswingsspreading.Nauseakickedhisgut.

Patriciamadeanoiseofanguish.Heheardherfootsteps,thenfeltherslimarmsaroundhim,hertears
fallingonhischeek.Hetriedtolifthishandtotouchher,tosootheher,butthepainwastoogreat.

HeheardHerawalktothem,feltthegoddessstopandlookdown.“Icouldhurtyoufarworsethanthat,
youknow.”

Nicodidknow.Thepunishmentsthegodsdevisedcouldbecruelbeyondimagining,suchasPrometheus,
chainedforevertoarockwhileaneaglepluckedouthislivereveryday.Hewonderedwhatendless
horrorHerawouldbindhimto.

Rightnow,heenjoyedPatricia’slipsinhishair,hercoolhandsonhisskin.Iloveyou,hewantedto
whisper.

Bescametothem,thehalf-sizedgod’sbodythickandstrong.“Ireadtheinscription.Youknowwhatyou
havetodo.”

“Tellme,”Patriciademanded.“Whatdoesthedamninscriptionhavetodowithallthis?”

“It’satest,”Bessaid,ignoringHera’ssplutters.“NikolausandAndreiaretorturedforcenturies,butif
theypassHera’stest,theywillgetfree.”Heshrugged.“Andreasisalreadyfree,ofcourse.Deathdid
that.”

“Thetest?”Herashriekedinanawfulvoice.“Youdarechallengeme?”

Beslookedhesitant,hisgazestrayingtowherethepaintingofIsishadbeen.“Yes,”hesaid.

Herasmiled,lookingsuddenlyhappy.“Good.”

HersmilewidenedasshegazeddownatPatriciaandNico,andadry,hotwindblastedthroughthetomb.
Patriciascreamedsuddenly,andthensheandRebeccavanished.

Nicostartedup,nolongercaringaboutthepain.“Wheredidyousendher?Whatdidyoudo?”

“Thetesthasbegun,”Herasaid.Herfussydraperiesflutteredinthewind.“Yourbondtoherisbroken.
Howmuchdoyoucareabouther—really?”

“Enoughtowanttosaveherfromyou.”

“Truly?Well,then,you’dbettergetonwithit.”

Shesmiled,leaningcloserandclosertohim.Thenshevanished,alongwithBesandtherubble-strewn
tomb.NicofoundhimselffacedowninthehotelroominCairo,cooltilepressinghisface.

Amanstoodnexttohim,neatshoesandcrisppantlegsdust-free.“Nico,whatthehell?”

HeliftedhisheadtofindDemitri,hisdemigodfriendwhoownedthehotel,staringdownathimingreat
surprise.

DEMITRIhaddarkhairthatheworepulledintoasleek,businesslikeponytail,whichwentwithhiswell-
tailoredsuit.He’dalwaysbeenmeticulousinhisdress,nomatterwhatthecentury.

HewasasonofApolloandalongtimefriendofNicoandAndreas,butwhentheslavechainswerebeing
handedout,he’dluckilybeenelsewhere.

Demitrihadbecomeagoodfriendoverthecenturies,ahelpwhentheyneededit.Nicofeltabrother’s
closenesswithhim,thoughtheyweren’tbrothersbyblood.WhenPatriciaandRebeccahaddecidedthey
neededtocometoCairo,he’dknowntherewouldbenosaferplacetostashthemthanatDemitri’s.

NowDemitrilistenedwithshockinhisbrowneyesasNicorelatedthestory.

“Holyshit,”Demitrisaid.“Whattestwasshetalkingabout?”

“Ihavenoidea.”Nicorosetolookforashirt.Theirluggagehadmysteriouslyreappeared,asthoughit
hadneverleftthesuite.“IhavenocluewhatdangerPatriciaisin,orwheresheis.Shecouldbe
anywhereinthisworldormaybenothereanymore.HeracouldhavemagickedhertoHades.Who
knows?”

“Icancheckonthat,”Demitrisaid.“Heradoesn’trulethere,asmuchasshethinksshedoes.”Hesatin
thoughtfulsilenceamoment.“Andreasjusttookoff?”

“Yes,andIdon’tblamehim.Hewasdead,rightinfrontofme,mybestfriend,andshejustlaughed.I
thankallthegodshe’sallright.”

“Me,too.ButIwonderwhathe’supto.Youneverknowwithhim.”

Thatwastrueenough.“AndRebecca,”Nicosaid.“Idon’tknowifHerasentheroffwithPatriciaor
killedher,orwhat.Bothofthemstooduptoher.I’veneverseenanythingsobrave,butIwishthey’d
coweredinacornerandbeggedhertohelpthemagainstus.Thenthey’dbeallright.”

“Icanseethat.”Demitrisatup,hispristinesuitasharpcontrasttoNico’sT-shirtandjeans.“I’llhelpyou
look,Nico.We’llfindher.”

Nicowishedhecouldbesoconfident.HestoodlookingoutofthewindowovertheNileandthecity
beyond,somanyhousesandbuildingsandpeople,millionsofthem.Patriciawasouttheresomewhere—
maybe.

Helovedherwitheverypartofhimself.Whetheritwasthecurseornot,hedidn’tcare;helovedPatricia,
andthatwasalltherewastoit.Helovedthewayshegroanedwhenhepleasuredher,howshe’dlaugh
andbitethetipsofhisfeathers.

Helovedherriotofblondcurls,thepuckershe’dgetinherforeheadwhenpuzzledaboutsomething,the
aquamarinesparkleofhereyes.Evenifsheneverreturnedhislove,ifitwasonlymagic,hedidn’tcare.
Hisloveforherwouldneverdie.

“Thatbad?”Demitristoppedbesidehim,lookingoutoverhisadoptedcity.

Niconoddedgrimly.“Thatbad.”

DemitriclaspedNico’sshoulder.Hedidn’thavetosayanything;hisfriendshipandsupportradiatedfrom
him.

Thedoorofthesuitebangedopen.NicoandDemitriwhirled,poisedtofight,thenNicostopped,heart
beatinginreliefasAndreasslammedhiswayin.

He’ddressedinaraggedcaftanhemusthavepickedupalongtheway.Hishairwassandy,hisface
creasedwithdirt.

“Wherethehellisshe?”hedemandedofthetwoofthem.“Where’sBecky?”

ITwasdarkwherePatriciawas,andshehadthehorriblefeelingofaloneness.Notaloneasshemightbe
inherapartmentaboveherstoreatnight;thereshewasawareofthechurning,teemingcityaroundher,
peopleaboveheranddowninthestreet.Nowshefeltutterlyalone,asthoughshe’dbeenburiedalive.

Shehadn’tbeen.Shecouldmoveandsitupandevenstand,andtherewasairhere,coolandfresh,as
thoughtheplacewasventilated.

Patriciaexploredwhatshecould,walkingaroundwitharmsoutstretched,andfoundthatherprisonwas
sixpacesbysix.Theceilingwasbeyondherreach,evenwhenshejumped.

Whenshestretchedoutherpsychicsenses,thewallsbegantoglowandpulsatewiththeaurasofpeople
longpast,hundredsandhundredsofthem.Shewassomeplaceveryold,butnotatomb,whichwouldbe
quietwiththepassingofages.

Thisplacehadseenmuchactivity,andthepeopleherehadbeenexcited,bored,hopeful,worried,and
happy.Shecouldfeelnopowerfulgodlikeaura,soshethoughtperhapsithadn’tbeenatemple.

“Notthatthisishelpful,”Patriciamutteredtoherself.“I’llstillstarvetodeath.Orperhapsdieofthirst.”

Verycheerful.

Sheroseagainandpacedtheconfinedspace.One,two,three,four,five,six...seven,eight?

Patriciastopped,confused.Ithadbeensixpacesbefore,she’dswornthat.

“NowI’mlosingmymind,”shesaidoutloud.“Thisjustgetsbetter.”

Nodoubtaboutit,herprisonwasnoweightpacesbyeight.Movingwalls?Patriciapushedatthestone
blocks,buttheyweresolid.Shebangedonthemoncewithherclosedfists,thenslidtotheflooragain.

Shesatquietly,frustrated,butnotinpanicordespair.Onethoughtcametoheroverandoveragain:Nico
willfindme.

Sheknewthisdeepdowninside.ThiswasthetestHeraandBeshadarguedabout:whetherNicoand
Patriciawouldloveeachotherenoughtofindeachotheragain.Sheknewtheanswerwasyes.

ShedidhopethatthetestofherandNico’slovewouldn’tbelikesomeoftheweirdmythsshe’dreadin
whichthebelovedobjectwasturnedintoarockortreeorsomething,inordertomakeapoint.Shehad
mixedfeelingsaboutspendingeternityasasymboloftruelove.

“I’dratherhavethereality,”shesaid,grindingherteeth.“Hurryup,Nico.”

“WEneedBes,”Nicoconcluded.

Theothertwohaddraggedhimouttoacoffeehouseinabackalley,feedinghimpotentEgyptiancoffee.
Thestreetswereteemingasusual,menfillingcoffeehousesorstrolling,enjoyingthecooldarkness.Two
mensharedawaterpipeinonecorner,andatanyothertime,Nicowouldhavefoundthepungentscentof
spicedtobaccoandtheslowbubblingofthepipesoothing.

He’dwantedtoflyawayandsearcheverycorneroftheworldforPatricia,butDemitriconvincedhim
theyhadtodothislogically.

“Besknewthestoryonthewall,”Nicocontinued.“Whatthistestwas.WhatI’msupposedtodo.”

DemitriturnedtoAndreas.Theleopard-manhadlosthishabitualbitterlook,histhroatfreeofthegold
chainhe’dwornformillennia.ButhewasstillangryanddesperatelyworriedaboutRebecca.

“Andreas,”Demitribegan.“IfyouspentallyourtimewithRebecca,yousawtheinscriptionthemost.
Youwerewithherwhenshefinishedherroughtranslation.Doyourememberanythingaboutit,especially
attheend?”

Andreasranthickfingersthroughhishair.“Iwasn’tpayingattentiontothedamnwall,ifyouknowwhatI
mean.”

Demitrinodded.“You,awoman—Iknowwhatyouwerepayingattentionto.Butdoyouhaveanything,
rememberanything?”

“Nothinghelpful,”hegrowled.“ItwasthesadstoryofNicoandmegettingcaughtbyHera’sspell,and
howwewereeternallypunishedforourlust.Afterthatitwasstuffabouthowlustdwindledandlovewas
stronger,howlovecouldshinethroughwherelustfailed.”

“Allright,that’sgood.”Demitritriedtosoundreassuring.“Whatdoesthatmeantoyou?”

“Thatloveisstrongerandmoreimportantthanlust,”Nicosaid.“Lovehasgreatpower,wherelustfades.
Ialreadyknewthat.”

Demitriagreed.“WhatIthinkitmeansisthatifyoutrulylovePatricia,notjustwanther,you’llprevail.”

“That’shelpful,”Nicosaidinanironicvoice.“Wasn’tthereanythingonthewallthatsaid,Startlooking
here?”

“No,”Andreassaidglumly.“Itdidn’tsayanythingaboutwhetherPatriciaandRebeccawouldbetogether,
either.”Hesighed.“IhavetofindRebecca.Shedoesn’tknowhowtohandlegoddesses.She’stooblunt.

She’llgetherselfkilled.”

Demitrilookedatthembothandraisedhisbrows.“Ithinkyou’vebothgonewaybeyondthelustpart.
Nowit’sjustlegwork.”

Nicoshookhishead.“ThisisHerawe’retalkingabout.Nothingwillbethateasy.”

“Iknow.ButIhavesomeideasandfriendswhomightknowthings.”

“It’sgoodofyoutohelp,”Nicosaid.

Demitrilookedoffended.“Howlonghavewebeenfriends?”

“Fourthousandyears.Giveortake.”

“Exactly.”HeclappedNicoontheshoulder.“Iwon’tleaveyouinthelurchwhenthingsgettough.Isay
wedrawupabattleplan.”

20

NICOinsistedthattheytrytosummonBes.InancientEgypt,thegodBeshaddefendedhomesagainstevil
spiritsandotherdangerslikesnakesandwildanimals.Hewasaprotectorofhearthandhome,ahandy
godtohavearound.

Modern-dayEgypthadthoroughlyembracedIslam,butstatuesoftheoldgods,copiesofthosefoundon
archaeologicaldigs,wereplentiful.Demitrihadone.

Thestatuewassquatandsquare,Bes’slegsstubby.Hisfacewasalmostlionlike,hishornstwotiny
bumpsonhishead.

“Helooksbetterinperson,”Andreasgrowled.“Barely.”

Demitristudiedthestatueasitreposedonthetableinthemiddleofthesuite’slivingroom.“Ifanyone
hearsI’vebeenconjuringpagangodsinmybestguestsuite,I’llberunoutofbusiness.”

“We’llkeepitdown,”Andreasassuredhim.

HewasasrestlessasNico,pacingandgrowlingallmorning.Hismovementswerejerkyasthey
surroundedthestatuewithgreeneryandcandles.Godslikedofferings,butNicowasn’tsurewhatBes
wouldenjoy.Wine?Fruit?

“Coffee,”Andreassaid.“Remember,hewassoproudofhiscoffeemachine.”

Nicodecidedithadasgoodashotasanything,soDemitrisentforatrayofhot,freshcoffeewithfour
cups.Thewaiterwhobroughtittriedtolookintotheroomtoseewhattheyweredoing,butDemitri
grabbedthetrayandslammedthedoor.

“Heprobablythinkswe’rehavinganorgy,”Demitrisaidashesetdownthetray.

“Anorgywithcoffee?”Andreasasked.

“Hehasavividimagination.”

“Iwonderwhathe’dthinkifweaskedforsomeDVDs?”

Nicolookedupirritablyfromwherehewasarrangingthealtar.“Cananyonewho’snotstillaslave
pleaseshutup?”

“Sorry,”Demitrisaidatonce.

“Justrelievingthetension,”Andreasadded.

Nicofinishedandsatbackonhisheels,stillwonderinghowtodothis.He’dneveractuallyconjureda
godbefore,mostlywantingthemtoleavehimthehellalone.

HestartedtochantinanancienttonguethatwasnotGreekorEgyptianbutthelanguagethathadexisted
beforethosecivilizationsrose.Itwasalanguageofthegods,whentheywalkedtheearth,beforeleaving
humankindtohavecontactwiththemonlythroughworship,throughritualslikethese.

“Godofhearthandhome,Isummonthee,”Nicosaid.“Proudgodwhofaceddownthequeenofmy
pantheon,hearmyplea.”

Nothinghappened.Andreasmovedrestlessly.“Whereishe?It’snotworking.”

“Shh,”Demitriadmonished.“LetNicofinish.”

Nicotriedtoblockouttheirwordsandfocusonthestatue.Beslookedbackathimblankly,thestone
remainingimmobile.

“Maybehe’snotpositionedright.”Andreasgrabbedthelittlegodandturnedhimtofacethewindow.As
heliftedhishandaway,heknockedagainstthesmallcupofcoffee,whichoverturnedanspatteredall
overBes.

“Damnit,”Nicomuttered.

Swearing,Andreasreachedforatowel,butDemitristoppedhim.“Wait.”

Asthecoffeedrippedfromthestatue,thestoneflushedwithwarmth.Lifetrickledintoit,inchbyinch,
untilatlastatinyfigurestoodamidthegarlands.Thethreemenleanedforwardtolookathim.

“No,no,no,”thesmallBessaid,wavinghisarms.“Ican’tgivehints.It’sagainsttherules.”

“Idon’tgiveadamnaboutyourhintsoryourrules,”Nicosaid.“Where’sPatricia?”

“Ican’ttellyou.IfIdo,I’llvoidthetest.”

“Screwthetest.I’llbeaslaveforeternityifHerareleasesher.Idon’tcare.Ijustwanthertobeall
right.”

“Thatisn’ttheanswer,”Bessaid.

“Itoldyou,Idon’tcare...”

“Stayingaslaveisn’tthesolutiontothetest,”Bessaid.“Youhavetofinditonyourown.”

Nicoclenchedhishands.“Whatisthetest?Whatdidthewallpaintingsay?”

Beslookedpained.“Ican’ttellyou.”

Andreasleanedforwardandpokedthelittlegod.“Listen,you.I’vehadenoughofgameswithgodsand
goddesses.Givebackourladiesandstaythehelloutofourlives.”

Bes’sexpressionturnedmournful.“Ican’t.IwishIcouldhelpyou.IhavenodesiretoseePatriciahurt.”

Nico’sheartfeltlikelead.“AreyousayingthatifIdon’tpassthetest,Patriciawillbehurt?”

“Yes,unfortunately.Icanmakethingsbetterforherifyoudotherightthings,butifnot...”Hetrailedoff
withagestureofhelplessness.

“WhataboutRebecca?”Andreasinterrupted.“She’snotpartofNico’stest,isshe?WhereisRebecca?”

Besjumpedbackafoot,nearlytrippingoverthegarlands.“She’ssafe.She’ssafe,Iswearit.InGreece.”

“Greece?”Andreasstoodup.“WhatthehellisshedoinginGreece?”

“She’sinthelandofOdysseusandPenelope,”Bessaid,perplexed.“InIthaca.”

Andreasletoutalonggrowl,hisclawsemerging.“NotGreece,youlittlestoneidiot.NewYork.She
worksatCornell—inNewYork.”

“Oh,”Bessaid.“IjustheardIthaca.IhopeIsenthertotherightone.”

“You’ddamnwellbetterhavesenthertotherightone.”AndreasreacheddownandgrabbedBesinhis
bigfist.

Thelittlegodshudderedandfrozeintohardstone.Andreasstartedanddroppedthestatue,which
shatteredonthetilefloorintothreelargepieces.

“Damnit,”Andreassaid.“Nico,I’msorry.”

Nicoshrugged,hisheartaching.“Itdoesn’tmatter.Hewasn’tgoingtogiveusmuchmorethanthat.”

Demitriretrievedhisbrokenstatueandtriedtofitthepiecestogether.“Whatdidhemean,hecouldmake
thingsbetterforPatriciaifyoudidtherightthings?”

“Whoknows?Idon’tknowwhattherightthingis.”Nicostaredatthetangledgarlandsandspilledcoffee,
thestatueDemitriwastryingtorepair.“Ihavetofindher.”

“What’sthephonenumberforCornell?”Andreasbrokein.

Nicolookedup.“Idon’tknow.Patricia’scellphoneisinherroom.Shemighthaveitfromwhenshefirst
calledRebecca.”

AndreaswasoutoftheroombeforeNicohadfinishedspeaking.

Nicorosetopace.Hisbackitched,hiswingswantingtobreakfreeoftheirconfinement.Hewantedto
soaroverthecity,blastopeneverybuildingwithhishalf-godmagic,andfindPatricia.

Hecouldn’t;heknewthat.Hesensedthatifheresortedtobruteforce,he’dneverseeheragain,orhe’d
killherintheprocess.

Wherecouldtheyhideherthatanormalsearchwouldn’tfindher?Alivingwomancouldn’tbetakento
Hadesandsurvive,thelegendofPersephonenotwithstanding.He’dmetPersephone,andhehadnodoubt
shehadthegodoftheunderworldwrappedaroundherlittlefinger.

Ithadtobesomewheremagical,mysterious,butsomeplaceshecouldexistandhecouldfind.Thatletout
anyofthegodrealms;shemuststillbeonthetangibleearth.

I’llfindyou,Patricia,hethought,hopingthatsomehowshecouldhearhim.Iloveyou.I’llfindyouand
breakthistestandprovemyloveisreal.

Hepicturedherstandinginfrontofhim,herriotofblondcurlssnakingoverhershoulders,hersmile,her

laughter.Heliftedhishandasthoughtotouchherhair,hisheartbreakingwhenhisfingersbrushedonly
emptyair.

THEroomhaddefinitelygottenbigger.Patriciacouldwalktwelvepaceseachwaynow,andonhernext
circuit,herfootbumpedsomethinghard.

Wincing,sheleaneddowntoseewhatitwasandfoundasquareshapethatfeltsmoothandcool,liketile.
Shealsofeltdropletsofwater,andreachingforward,sheencounteredtheunmistakablesilkenfeelof
water.

Herheartlurched,herparchedthroatpinching.Shehesitated,fearfulofdrinkingwaterthathadn’tbeen
purified,butherdrymouthurgedhertoatleasttasteit.

Shescoopedsomeinherhandsandletdropletsdribbleacrosshertongue.Theytastedasclearandpure
asthebestbottledwater.

Wellwater?Ifshewasoutinthemiddleofnowhere,wellwatermightbeallrighttodrink.Itwascold
andgood,andshecouldn’tresistscoopingmoreintohermouth.

“Now,ifIcouldjusthaveasandwichtogowithit,”shesaidhopefully.

Shewaited,butnosmellofroastbeefandmustardassailedher,andshesighed.“Oh,well,itwaswortha
try.”

Patriciastartedtowalkbacktohercorner,thenhadthesuddenfearfulthoughtthatthebasinmightvanish
ifsheturnedherbackonit.Shewhirledaroundandbangedherfootonitagain.

Shescoopedmorewaterintohermouth,thenfoundadryplacetositnexttoit.Shehungherfingersinto
thewater,itstouchcomforting.

“Comeon,Nico.You’resupposedtofindme.Iknowyouare.”

Shewishedforthehundredthtimethatherpsychicabilityincludedprojectingherthoughtstoothers.Even
ifsheclosedhereyesandconcentrated,shecouldfeelnothingmorethantheaurasofthisroom,nothing
outsideofit.

“Nico,ifyoucanhearme...”

Shesighed.SheknewNicocouldn’t,andshecouldnothearhim,asmuchassheprojected.

“Theycouldhaveleftmeacellphone,”shemuttered.“But,oh,no.”

Notthatitwouldhaveworkedinthisthick-walledbuildingoutinthemiddleofnowhere.Cellphones
wereonlyasgoodastheirabilitytopickupasignal.

Patriciasighed,hopingthatwhoeverfoundherphoneputittogooduse.

“I’MinEgypt;wheredoyouthinkIam?”AndreasyelledintoPatricia’sphone.Attheotherend,
Rebecca’sshrill,tinnyvoicecamebacktohim.

Andreas’sheartbeatthickandhard.Rebecca’snumberatCornellhadindeedbeenstoredonPatricia’s

phone’srecentcalllist,andonetouchhaditringingfaroffinNewYork.Rebecca’sbreathless“Hello”
reachedhimafterthesecondring.

Shewassafe.Shewasallright.Herahadn’tkilledher.

“HowshouldIknowwhereyouare?”Rebeccasaidbacktohim.Hervoicesoundedshaky,likeshe’d
beencrying.“Youmagickedyourselfoutofthetomb,leavingtherestofusstranded.”

“No,Ididn’t,sweetheart.I’dneverleaveyoustranded.”

Rebeccahuffed.“Isawyou.”

“Ihadtogetoutbeforeshecouldthinkofsomewaytotrapmeagain.IknewthatwastheonlywayI
couldhelpNico.WhenIcamebackforyou,everyonewasgone.IthoughtHerahaddonesomethingwith
you.NicoandDemitrididn’tknowwhereyouwere.”

“Iblackedoutandwokeuphere,inmyoffice,withmyclothesalldirtyfromthetomb.Thedepartment
chairwalkedinthirtysecondslater.”

Andreasimaginedit,Rebeccafilthyfromtherainofrubbleandwallpainting,tearstrackingthroughthe
dustonherface.

“Anddoyouknowwhat?”Rebecca’slaughsoundedstrained.“Hedidn’tevennoticeanythingwas
wrong.HejustaskedmehowmyresearchtriptoCairohadbeen.”Shekeptlaughing,hysteriaedgingher
voice.

“It’sallright,Becky,”Andreassaid.“You’llbesafeenoughthere.GobacktotheBandBandtellthe
catswe’llbecomingsoon.”

“WhataboutNicoandPatricia?Aretheyallright?”

Andreashesitated,notsurewhattotellher.

“Whatisit?”shesqueakedashishesitationwentontoolong.“WhathappenedtoPatriciaandNico?”

Andreastoldher.Heclenchedthephone,notlikingtohearhercriesofdismay.Hehatedbeinghalfthe
worldawayfromher.

“Damnit,”Rebeccasaid.“I’mcomingoutthere.”

“No,youbloodywellarenot.You’resafethere.TheDyonswillstoptrackingyounow.”

“Screwthat.Ihavemypassport,andmyvisa’sstillgoodforanotherthreeweeks.IcangetaBritish
AirwaysoutofJFKandchangeinLondon.WhatelseamIgoingtospendmypostdocstipendon?”

“Becky,no.”

“StopcallingmeBeckylikeitmeanssomething.Youaren’tunderthecurseanymore.”

“Iknowthat,”heshouted.“Don’tyougetit?”

“I’mcomingoutthere,”shesaidfirmlyandhungup.

Andreasslappedthephoneclosedandstalkedouttothelivingroom.

Demitriwatchedhimwithanamusedlookonhisface.“Troublewiththelittlewoman?”

Andreashadthesuddenurgetogotothemanandjerkhistiecrooked.Demitrialwayshadtolookperfect.
“Ithoughtoncethecursewasgone,Iwouldn’tcarewhatshethoughtofme.ButIdo.Damnit.”

“IthinkNicoishavingthesameproblem.Whathe’sfeelingismorethanjustthecurse.”

TheybothlookedatNico,whohadspreadmapsalloverthetable,markingplacestolook.Andreas’s
heartburnedforhim.AndreasatleasthadthesatisfactionofknowingRebeccawasallright,evenifthe
headstrongwomanwasn’tabouttostayquietlysafeathome.Nicowashurting.

Andreassatdownnexttohim,lookingovertheplacesNicohadmarked:thepyramidsatGizaandthe
onesfarthersouthatDashur,thevalleyofAmarna,theremoteareasoftheValleyofKings.

“Whythese?”heasked.

Nicolookedup,afanaticlightinhisdarkeyes.“They’replacesgodmagicwouldhavebuiltupoverthe
centuries.IfHerawantedtoconfinePatriciamagically,thesewouldbegood.Ican’timaginePatricia
stayinglonginaplacethatwasn’tmagical.She’sresourcefulandwouldfigureawayout.”

Hespokeproudly,andatthesametime,hisfacewasstarkwithgriefandworry.

“Therearemagicalplaceslikethisallovertheworld,”Demitrisaid,hisvoicegentle.“Stonecirclesin
England,theMayantemples,cavesinIndia.”

“Iknow.”Nicolookedupwithafrown.“Butwehavetostartsomewhere.”

“Goodpoint,”Demitrisaid,tryingtosoundcheerful.

AndreasshookhisheadatDemitri,andrestedhishandlightlyonNico’sshoulder.“We’llfindher,”he
said.“DemitriandIwilldoeverythingwecan.Promise.”

LATERthatnight,AndreasfoundNicooutonthebalcony,lookingovertheNile.Theriverwasablack
streakinthecityoflightandnoise,theboatsonitstringsofbrightness.

NicohadagreedtorestandstartsearchingforPatriciaatfirstlight.Demitriwasputtingtogethertickets
andpassesforthemtogetaroundthecountry.

AndreasleanednexttoNicoonthebalcony.“Youallright?”

“No.”Nicowouldn’tlookathim.“She’soutthere,indanger,andIdon’tknowwhattodo.”

“Yes,youdo.Youlookforher.Youkeeplookingforher.”

Nicosighed.“I’minlovewithher,Andreas.Ifeelit,evenbeyondthecurse.”

“Iknow.”

“IshouldhavemadeherstayinNewYork.IletherargueherwaytocomingoutherebecauseIwantedto

bewithher.IwantedtohaveheraslongasIcould.”

“Iknow.WhatdoyouthinkIdidwithRebecca?”

“Ithoughtmyfeelingswerephysical,partofthecurse,”Nicocontinued.“Buttheygosofarbeyond.”

Andreasdidn’tanswer.Hedidn’thaveto.HesawthetearsglistenonNico’sfaceandmovedcloserto
him.

Sometimeswordsweren’tenough.AndreassnakedhisarmaroundNico’sshouldersandturnedNico’s
facetohimsohecouldkisshismouth.Thiswasn’taboutsexbutaboutcomfort.

Nicokissedhimback,shakily,hislipscold.Theworldhadchangedinsomanyways,Andreasthought.
Butonceuponatime,intheirancientworld,amancouldkisshisbestfriendwithoutcondemnation.

HeheardDemitristopinthedoorway.“Don’tdothatouthere,”hesaid,exasperated.“Ihaveahotelto
run.”

“Pissoff,”Andreasrumbled.

NicosteppedawayfromAndreas,hisstancealittlestronger.“I’mallrightnow.”

“No,heisn’t.”Nicowasbowedwithgriefandfear,andAndreasknewit.

“Comeoninside,”Demitrisaid.“IfNiconeedscomfort,wecanbothgiveittohim.”

Niconodded.HepassedAndreas,andDemitrimovedasidesothatNicocouldenter.

NicotookDemitri’shandandpulledtheothermaninsidewithhim.HekissedDemitri’smouth,then
startedwithhimforthebedroom,Andreasfollowing.

NICOwokeafewhourslater,snuginanestofhistwosnoringfriends.Hewasgratefultothemfortheir
comfort,lyingwithbarebodiestouchingforwarmthandreassurance,likelittermates.

BothDemitriandAndreasadvisedcautionandwaiting,butNicoknewhecoulddoneither.Theyalso
advisedagainstusinghisdemigodmagictosearch,butNicoknewhehadtouseeverythinginhispower
tofindher.

Nicoroseandleftthebed,pullingonhispants.Stillsleeping,AndreasandDemitrimovedcloser
together,AndreasdrapingonearmoverDemitri’sbaretorso.

Nicowalkedthroughthedarksuiteandoutontothebalcony.Thenightbusinesseshadclosed,andit
wouldbeseveralhoursbeforeshopsopenedtotakeadvantageofthecoolofthemorning.

Nicounfurledhiswings,lettingthebreezefromtheriverrufflehisblackfeathers.Hesteppeduponthe
balconyrail.

Iwillfindyou,Patricia,ifIhavetosearchfortherestofeternity.

Eternitysoundedlikealongtimeforhertowait,buthehardenedhisresolve.Holdon,mylove.

Heleaptoutintoemptyair,hiswingscatchingthecooldraftrisingfromtheriver.Hestretchedouthis

powerstosee,andtheworldchanged.

Solidshapesrecededintoirrelevantdetails.Whathesawwashumanity,theteemingbrightnessofit,
familiesgatheredforwarmthandloveagainstthenight.

HesoaredoverthecityofCairo,seeingthespreadofdomesandminaretsoftheIslamiccity,faith
clingingtothemlikewarmth.

Acrosstheriver,thecitiesofHeliopolisandGizaspreadbeforehim,denselypackedwithhumanity.The
riveritselfgleamedwithboats.

HefoundnosignofPatricia.Hehadn’texpectedto,thinkingHerawouldhaveputhersomewherefar
moredire.Heturnedtoswoopoutoveropendesert,thechillofthenightcatchinginhisfeathers.

Soonthatchillwouldchangetounbearableheat,andPatriciawouldbeoutinit—somewhere.

Hecircledsouth,followingthelife-givingNile,andoutacrossthedesertcliffs.

PATRICIAjumpedawake,herlimbscrampedfromthehardfloorandherfoldedposition.

Herhandhadfallentoherside,andshequicklyreachedforthebasinagain,sighinginrelieftofindthe
waterstillthere.Shedidn’tfeelanyilleffectsfromit,andherthirstybodydidn’tstopherfromleaning
overthetileandscoopinghandfulafterhandfulofwaterintohermouth.

Shefeltalittlebetteraftershedrankandbathedherfaceinthecoolliquid.Herfrustrationmountedafter
that.Shehadtogetoutofhere.

Anotherexplorationoftheroomshowedthatithadexpandedinsizeevenmore.Onewalljuttedouta
littlenow,andaroundthecorner,stillinthedark,shebumpedintoatable.

Sinkingtoherknees,shecautiouslytouchedit,thoughtsofsnakesandscorpionsprominentinhermind.
Herhandfoundsomethingball-shaped,withtheunmistakablefeeloforangeskin.

Laughing,Patricialiftedtheorangetohernoseandinhaledthecitrusgoodnessofit.

Thenshepeeleditanddevouredit.Whilesavoringitstangysweetness,shefeltthetableagain,findinga
wholepileoforangesandaplateofwhatsmelledlikefigs.Sheatealittleofthose,too,savingtherest.

Nowthatherhungerandthirstweresomewhatassuaged,shebegantowantlight.Shehadtofigureout
whereshewasandfigureouthowtogetoutofthereandfindNico.

ShehopedNicowasallright.HerahadkilledAndreasbybarelyliftingafinger,andshemightthinkitfun
tomurderNicoandkeepPatriciaimprisonedandwonderingfortherestofherlife.

Bestnottothinkaboutthingslikethat.

ShealsowishedsheknewwhereAndreashadgone.HadhedesertedNicoandRebeccaasHera
claimed?Orwashebidinghistime?She’dseenRebeccadisappearthesplitsecondbeforePatriciahad
beenteleportedoutherself,andshewonderedifRebecca,too,wasconfinedsomewhere.

ShehadfaithinNicoandAndreas,evenifHeradidn’t.Nicowouldcome.

Patriciawasn’tcertainhowsheknew—she’dmetNicoonlyacoupleofweeksago—butshedid.Sheand
Nicosharedabond,evenifitfirststartedasacurse.

Hewouldcomeforher.

HALFWAYdowntheNile,amanwitharifleaimedintothedawnskyandbroughtdownthelargest
black-wingedbirdhe’deverseen.

21

ANDREASwasn’tsurprisedtowakeupandfindNicogone.Demitriwasalreadyup,showered,and
immaculatelydressedbythetimeAndreaswanderedouttolookforcoffee.

“Areyougoingtojustlethimgo?”Andreasasked.Hestretched,lettingthemorningsunlightwarmhis
bodythroughthewindows.

“Doyouhaveanysuggestionsastowheretostartlookingforhim?”

“Notreally.”

“That’swhatIthought.”

AndreasgulpedthecoffeeDemitrihandedhimandscowledatthesmoggymorning.“I’mnotgoingtosit
herewhileNicogetsobliteratedbyHera.”

“Idon’tsuggestwedo.”Demitrisethiscupdownwitheconomicalmovements.Demitri’shairwaspulled
intohisneat,shortponytail,hisexpensiveItaliansuitpreciselytailoredforhisframe.Andreasfeltscruffy
injeanswithbaretorso,hishairamess,andhedidn’tcare.

“Whatdoyousuggestthen?”hegrumbled.

“Nico’srunningonadrenalineandemotion.IfyouandIuseourbrains,wecanfigurethisoutandhelp
him.”

“You’reoptimistic.”

“He’shurting.”Demitriarrangedtheemptycoffeecupscarefullyonatray.“AndIsawyoubothwith
PatriciaevenifIdidn’tmeether.Shewasn’tlookingatyouoranyotherman;sheonlyhadeyesforNico.
Heneedssomeonelikethat.”

“Nico’sademigod.Patricia’samortal.Howisthatgoingtowork?”

“We’llmakeitwork.Andeveniftheycanhaveonlyafleetingtimetogether,don’tyouthinkit’sworth
it?”

AndreasthoughtaboutRebecca,howshecouldmovefromshysmiletosteelydeterminationbacktoshy
smileinseconds.Shewastwowomen:thebrainyscholarwho’dmadehernameasoneofthetop
archaeologistsofthedayandthehesitantyoungwomanwho’dneverrealizedshewassexy.

“Yes,”Andreassaidslowly.“Ithinkitwouldbeworthit.”HestudiedDemitriamoment,takinginthe
man’sdarkeyesandtannedskin,rememberingwhenDemitrihadbeenawildhellionrunningalloverthe
worldbesideAndreasandNico.“Whendidyoubecomethematchmaker?”

Demitrishrugged.“WhenIrealizedNicohadachancetobefreeandhappy.”

“I’mfree,ifyounoticed.Areyouhappyforme?”

“Well,ofcourse.”Demitristraightenedhistieafraction.“Butdoyouknowwhattodowiththehappiness

you’vebeenhanded?”

AndreasthoughtaboutRebeccaagain,howhislongingforherhadn’tabated,eventhoughhisslavechain
wasgone.Thiswasreal.

“I’llfigureitout,”hepromised.

NICOlayfacedownwithhiswingsoverhim,tryingtobeasstillashepossiblycould.

Theshothadtakenoffachunkofwingfeathers,enoughtoknockhimoutofthesky.He’dspiraleddownto
thisclumpofrocksandcrawledbehindthem,hurtandoutofbreath.Outinthedesert,heheardmen
shoutingtooneanother,searchingforhim.

Hewishedhehadthepowertomakehimselfinvisible,buthewasonlyahalfgod,withlimitedmagic.He
couldn’tretracthiswingswithpartofonedamaged,eventhoughitwouldbealmostasawkwardto
explaintowhoeverhuntedhimwhyhewaslyinginthemiddleofnowherewithoutashirt.Hisfull-back
tattoowouldcausecommentaswell.

Allhecoulddowashuddleinstillnessinthemiddleoftherocksandhopetheydidn’tseehim.

Toquiethimself,hethoughtaboutPatricia.Heimaginedhimselfcarefullylickingherlegallthewayupto
herquim,thenkneelingbackandslowlyspreadingherlegs.

She’dlaughdownathim,herbluegreeneyesshininginanticipation,herhairariotofcurlsonthepillow.
She’dtouchherclitlikehe’dtaughthertoandspreadthelipsofherquim.She’dbeglisteningwith
moistureandwantinghismouth.Andhiscock.

Thatorganinflatedassoonashisthoughtsspun.HisheartthrobbedwithworryforPatricia,andhiscock
throbbedwithneedforher.

ThemenspokeinArabic,comingcloser.Nicolayutterlystill,thewarmththatfloodedhimthinkingofsex
withPatriciarelaxinghislimbs.

“I’mtellingyou,itwasthebiggestbirdIeversaw.Ablackswan,maybe.”

“Sure,littlebrother.Likethehugefishyoucaughtlastmonththatnoneofuseversaw.”

“Itoldyou,somecatsateit.”

“Youtellgoodtales,Ahmed.Veryentertaining.”

Thefirstman,Ahmed,trailedoffintodisgruntledmurmuring.Theywerethreefeetfromhishidingplace,
theirpacenotslowing.Withanyluckthey’dtramponby,unabletoseeNicointheearlylight.

Thetwomenwalkedpast,thesecondoneadmonishingthefirsttohurryupsotheycouldgohomeand
havetheircoffee.Theirfootstepshadalmostfaded,whensuddenlytheyoungermancriedout.

“There.Yousee?”

Nicohidagroanastheydashedbacktowherehelay,wingsspreadoverhisbody.Heraisedhisheadto
seeariflebarrelpointedrightinhiseyes,andbehindtherifle,anastonishedEgyptianface.

“Hello,”hesaidincarefulArabic.“Doyouthinkyou’dhaveenoughcoffeeforme,too?”

PATRICIAwonderedifsheimaginedthelight.Shewavedherhandinfrontofherfaceandsawnothing,
soshedecideditwasherimagination.

WhenshesawNicoagain,whatwouldshetellhim?Thatshelovedhim,first.Ifthetestwasfindingher,
andhedidandgotfree,wouldhestillwanther?Andreashadbeenquickenoughtodisappear,leaving
Rebeccaheartbroken.Shewasaresilientyoungwoman,butPatriciahadseenherpain.

WouldNicobeacarefreedemigodagain,happytoberidofPatricia?

Shethoughtofhisuprightbody,broadshoulders,finetorso,theblackspreadofhiswings.Shethoughtof
himnaked,withhiscockstandingstraightoutfromathatchofblackhair,hisownfeatherscaressing
himself.

Hewasabeautifulman—no,demigod—andshewasinlovewithhim.

Thelightwasdefinitelythere.Itwasafaintflickerontheedgeofhervision,backwhereshe’dfoundthe
tiledbasinofwater.Sherosefromthedirtandmovedtowardit,goingslowlyincaseitwasHerawaiting
forherwithaswordofdoomorsomething.

Butherpsychicsensesstilltoldhershewascompletelyalone.Howeverthesethingswereappearing,no
personbroughtthemin.

Thelighthadthedimqualityofphosphorescence.Sheknewthatsomefungicouldglowlikethat,butshe
hadnoideaifsuchafunguscouldbefoundinEgypt—ifshewasstillinEgypt.

Sheroundedthecorner.Thetiledbasinglowedasthoughfromwithin,lightingitupinluminescentblues
andgreensandreds.

“Great,”shesaid.“AndIdrankit.”

Shepeeredintothebasin,which,shenowsaw,wasbeautifullydecoratedwithmosaictile.Thelightwas
fixedatthebottom,anelectriclight,notglowingplantlife.Thewaterbubbledupfrominsidethebasin,
asthoughfromaspring.

Thestrangenessofallthis,whichmighthavefrightenedPatriciaweeksago,nowbouncedoffher.Shehad
noideahowtheroomhadexpandedorhownormal-lookingthingshadappearedoutofnowhere,butit
seemedtogowiththesituation.

Shedrankmorewater,wonderingifthelightwouldstay.Itwasnicetobeabletoseealittlebit.Patricia
walkedbackaroundthecornertothefoodtable,figuringshemightaswellhaveanotherorange.

Thetablehadgrown.Shecouldseeitsfaintoutlinesinthelight,alow,orientaltablelikewhathadbeen
intheirhotelrooms.Itwasnowcoveredwithbrassplatesheapedwithfruit,notjustwarm-climatefruit,
likeorangesandfigs,butstrawberries,grapes,apples,anddates.

Patriciasatdownandmadeanicefruitmeal,notsurprisedthateverythingtastedsogood.Thesewerethe
juiciestoranges,thesweetestgrapes,thecrispestapplesshe’deverhad.

Thisisveryweird,shethought.Ormaybeit’sHera’swayofdrivingmeinsane.Arethesereallyapples
I’meating,oramIdreamingallthis?

Thejuicerunningdownherchinwasrealenough.Whatshewantedmostintheworld,though,wasNico
theretolickitclean.

STRANGELYenough,itdidn’ttakeNicomuchefforttogethishunterstoacceptthathewasadivine
being.Thetwobrothers,AhmedandFaisal,livedinasmallhouseinavillageoftheDakhlaoasisoutin
thewesterndesert.Theywerefarmersandlivedtherewiththeirolderbrother,Mahmud,hiswifeand
children,andtheiragingmother.

Nicowaswelcomedintothehouseandgivenfoodanddrink,althoughitwasobvioustheydidn’thave
muchtogive.ThebrotherswereconvincedthatNicowasanangelsenttobringthemluckanddivine
guidance,andAhmedtookmuchribbingforshootingathim.

Fortunately,exceptforthewingfeathers,he’dmissed.Humanbulletscouldn’tkillNico,buthe’dstill
bleedandhurt.OnceNico’swingshadhealedenough,hedrewthemin,tothefamily’sdelight,andhe
acceptedtheirofferofacaftantocoverhimself.

Nicospreadalittlemagicoverthehouseandtherestofthevillagetohelpkeepthepeopleherehealthy
andbringthemagoodcropyield.Hedecidedtotellthemabouthisquest,whichthebrotherslistenedto
withinterest.

“ThedivineNicosearchesforhisbelovedlady,”Ahmedsaid.“I’veneverheardthatstory.”

“That’sbecauseit’sstillbeingtold,”Nicosaid,cradlingthetinycupofEgyptiancoffeethey’dgivenhim.
“Idon’tknowwhattheendingis.Canyouthinkofsomewherearoundhereagoddessmighthidealady?”

Theyseemedhappytohelpandspeculate,andtheoldestbrother’sthreesonschimedin.Thewife,
mother,anddaughtershadtakenthemselvesintoanotherroomonNico’sarrival,butthewifecalledtoher
husband,andsheandhermother-in-lawloudlytoldhimtheiropiniononthematter.

Ittookalongtimeandalotofargumentandthenanothermealforthefamilytoreachaconclusion.

“Thereisaplace,”Ahmedsaid.“Itisoutinthedesertwheretherearenoroads.Theforeign
archaeologistssearchhere,there,andeverywhereforsitestodig,buttheyalwaysmissthat.”

“Whydon’tyoutellthemaboutit?”Nicoasked.

Ahmedlookedinnocent.“It’sfuntowatchthemlook.Anditmightbenothing,justsomesquarestonesin
thedesert.”

“I’mwillingtoseethem,”Nicosaid.

TheirmotherandMahmud’swiferelatedthattheyapproved,andpreparationsweremadeforajourney
intothedesert.

Nicowaitedoutsidewhiletheyprepared,enjoyingthecoolbreezeunderthepalmtrees.Thebrothers
farmedherewherelife-givingwaterbubbledfromthesurfaceofthedesert.Theylikedithere,Ahmed
said,farfromthebustlingcrowdsofCairoandthetouristspotsofLuxorandThebes.

“Amancanbehisownpersonhere,”AhmedtoldNico.“Hecanwalkwithalongstride,andheknows
allhisneighbors,goodandbad.WhenIgotoCairo...”Heshookhishead.“Somanypeople,somuch
noise,andIcan’tbreathetheair.”

TouristsdidtraveloutheretolookatthetombsandRomantemple,butforthemostpart,Ahmed’svillage
wasquiet.

Mahmudhadanancientjeep,whichtheysuppliedwithgasandwater,andthetwoyoungerbrothersand
Nicopiledinfortheirtrekintothedesert.Ittookseveraltriestogetthejeepgoing,andthentheywere
off.

AhmedandhisfamilywereofBedouindescent,andAhmeddrovethejeepwiththesamefond
restlessnesswithwhichhisancestorsmusthaveriddentheirhorses.Thesunblazedfullandhigh,butthe
autumnmorningwascrisp,theairfresh.

ThejeepshotdownroadsNicocouldbarelytellwerethere,Ahmedsteeringwithrecklessabandon.
Gravelandsandshotupfromthetires,andthevehicletippedwitheachturn.

FromwhatNicocouldtell,Ahmedwasdrivingthemstraightintothedesert,towardtheGreatSandSea.
Nicoheldontotherollbarasthejeeprocketedonward,AhmedpromisingNicowouldthankhimwhen
theyreachedtheirdestination.

Nicoheldouthopethatthejourneywouldprovefruitful,becausebeforehe’dleftthebrothers’house,
he’dseensomethingthatstartledhim.Inashadowycorner,onaforgottentable,he’dseenastonestatue
thatlookedexactlylikeDemitri’sstatueofthestumpy-legged,lion-facedoldgod,Bes.

ANDREASandDemitrispentmuchofthedaytryingtofigureoutwhereNicohadgone,andcouldn’t.

“Hemarkedplaceseverywhere,”Andreassaid.“EasternEgypt,thewesterndeserts,thesouthbyAswan.
Whycouldn’thetelluswhathewasthinking?”

“Becauseheknewhehadtogoalone,”Demitrisaid.

Andreasheavedasigh.“I’mnolongeraslave,andIfeeljustashelplessasbefore.I’msupposedtobe
therewithhim,myfriend,amanclosertomethanabrother,andhereIsitinyourcushyhotel.”

“Ifeelthesame,”Demitrisaidglumly.“Wecouldhavesextopassthetime.Maybesomethingwillcome
tous.”

SexwithDemitriandNicohadhelpedAndreasgetthroughmanyyearsofthecurse.Andreascouldsate
hisimmediateneedwithhisfriendsuntilthecursecaughthimagain,andhehadappreciatedthat.

Butnowthathewasfree,heknewhewantedRebecca,nothistwofriends.Shecalledtohim,andhe
wantedtogotoher.Atthesametime,hedidn’twanttoabandonNicoinhishourofneed.

“Thissucks,”Andreassaid.

“Iknow.”Demitricametohimandputhishandsonhiswaist.“It’sapoorsubstitute.”

Andreaslookedathisfriend’shandsomefaceandcoffee-coloredeyes,feelingtheleopardinhim

respond.Andreaswashalfananimal,withanimalinstinctsthatkickedinattheworsttimes.

Demitriwashalfananimal,too,andtheiranimalselvescalledouttoeachother.Mesmerizedby
Demitri’seyes,AndreastiltedhisheadandslantedakissacrossDemitri’smouth.

“Oh,goodness,”Rebecca’slightvoicecutacrossthelivingroom.“Icameattherighttime.”

AndreasabandonedDemitritochargetoRebeccaandcatchherinacrushinghug.“Whatthehellareyou
doinghere?ItoldyoutostayinNewYork.”

“I’mhappytoseeyou,too,Andreas.”

Rebeccakissedhimonthemouth,thenpushedandsquirmedtogetoutofhisarms.ShelookedDemitriup
anddownwithgreatinterest.“Youlooknice,”shesaid.“Whatdoyouturninto?”

“Atiger,”Demitrisaid.

THINGSwereimprovinginPatricia’sprison.Thefoodtablenowboastedcandlesthatthrewalighton
hersurroundings.Bythecandlelight,shesawthatanoval,tiledbathhadappearedonthefarwall,
enticingsteamrisingfromit.

Shedidn’thesitatelongbeforeshestrippedoffherclothesandimmersedherselfinhot,scentedwater.

“Thisisallgood,”shesaidtotheair.“ButwhatI’dreallylikeisadoor,oracellphonethatworks,or
evenbetter,tobebackatNico’sfriend’shotel.”

Sheheldherbreath,wonderingifthemagicroomwouldprovideanyofit,butnothinghappened.The
thingsthatappearedhadn’tappearedinresponsetoherdirectwishesbutasthoughsomeoneelsewere
thinkingwhatnextshe’dneed.

“SomeDVDs?Topassthetime?”Sheglancedaroundatthebrightmosaictileandthegleamingbrassof
thedishes.“Oristhattoomodernforyou?Howaboutsomeonetotellmestories,then?Like
Scheherazade.”

Nothing.

Shesighed,leaningbacktoatleastenjoythebath.

Hereshewas,sofarfromhome,waitingtoberescuedlikeaprincessinafairytale.Andallshecould
thinkaboutwasthememoryofmeetingNicoforthefirsttime,likinghowhelookedwithhiswings
coveringhishalf-nakedbody.

ThenmeetingAndreaswithhiswildcat’seyes,andNicobecomingallprotectiveofher.Thenthe
incrediblewayNicohadtaughthertofeel.Ithadn’tbeenjustsex,butlearningtoappreciateherown
bodyandthebeautyofit.

Patriciaslidherhandsdownherwetbodyandcuppedherbreasts,feelingthemwarmandheavyinthe
water.Shepinchedhernipplesbetweenthumbandforefinger,likingthetingleassherolledthenubsback
andforth.

ShewishedforNicotoleandownandsuckonher,butshehadtobecontentwithherimagination.

Itwasn’tenough.Patriciaroseinthetub,watercascadingfromherbody.Thetubwaslargeenoughtolet
herkneelinit,herlegsapart,thewaterlappingherthighs.

ShepartedthelipsofherquimasNicohadtaughther,fingersoneithersideofit.Shedippedherfingerto
touchherclit,closinghereyesatthefeelingthatspreadthroughher.

Herskintingledandwarmed,herquimgoingsoft.Shewaswet,notjustwithbathwaterbutalsowithher
ownjuices,andtheslicknesslappedherfingersassherubbedherself.

Herheadwentback,thefeelofherlongcurlsbrushingherskin,softanderotic.SheimaginedNico
trailinghisfingersdownherspine,histouchgentle,whilesheplayedwithherself.

Patriciarockedalittleagainstherhand,spreadingherselfwider.ShepretendedNico’stonguewether,
thetipofitticklingherclit.

Shemovedherfingerfasterwiththefantasy,agroandraggingfromherthroat.

Patriciaslidfingersinsideherself,wishingshehadsomethingbiggerandthicker.VisionsofNico’scock
playedthroughhermind,thefeelingofitlongandhotandhardinherhand.Sheenvisionedthedarkhair
atitsbase,theheavyballswarmagainstherpalm.

Shelikedwhatcamewithhiscock:histall,muscularbody,hissinfulsmile,hisblack-darkeyes.

Comeforme,Patricia,he’dsayinhissexyvoice.Showmewhatyoufeel.

Patriciarose,herbodyhotandshaking.Shestraddledthesideofthetub,thetilecoolonherbackside,
andthrustherhandbetweenherlegs,pullinguptight.

“Nico,”shesaidoutloud.“Watchmeplaywithmyselfforyou.Watchmewantyou.”

Sheworkedherclit,thrustingagainstthecoldtile,untilherworldspunaround,andsheshoutedher
releasetotheechoingceiling.

Sheslidbonelesslybackintothetub,asmileonherface.“Didyoulikethat,Nico?”Shesighed,thenshe
laughed.“What?Youwantmore?”

ShepicturedAndreasjoiningNico,ashehadbeforehe’dbecomeboundtoRebecca.Hismottledhair
tangleddownhisneck,hisiceblueeyesfocusedonher.Hiscock,too,wouldbestiffandhard,readyto
findher.

Sherememberedhiscockfillingherass,thelubricationslidinghimrightin.Ithadbeensogood,so...
satisfying,inawayshe’dneverbeensatisfiedbefore.NotthesameasNicoinsideher,lovingher,butina
bone-jarring,dirtyfantasykindofway.

She’dlovedit.

Patriciadrapedherselfovertheedgeofthetubagain,smilingatthememories.Nico’shugecockinher
mouth,fillingherwhileAndreasfuckedher.

AndthenNicoinsideher,lettingherridehimonthebedwhileheclaspedherbreasts.Hisfeatherswarm

andcushioning,ticklingherbackwhilehemadelovetoher.

They’ddonesomenaughtythings,andshe’dlovedeverysecondofthem.She’dneverbelievedthatshe,
PatriciaLake,couldhaveletherselfdothem.

Patriciawasstillhotandneedy.Sheslidtwofingersinsideherself,pushinglikeNicodid,tryingtostem
theache.Shecriedout,thenherbodytookover.Shefuckedherselfwithherfingerswhilesheshouted
Nico’sname,shewrithedagainsttheblunthardnessandimaginedAndreasinherassatthesametime.

“Iloveyou,Nico,”shecriedoutasshecame,wavesofpleasureundulatingherbody.

“Iloveyou,”sherepeatedsoftlyasshesankbackintothewarmwater,hereyesclosing.“Loveyouso
much.”

Outinthehotdesertinbackoftherockingjeep,Nicojerkedawake,hearingher.

22

SO,whydoyouliketokissmen?”RebeccaaskedAndreas.Shesatwithhimatthetableintheirhotel
suite,eatingamuch-neededmeal.

Andreaslookedpuzzled.“Idon’t.”

“YoudidwithNicointhehotelinLondon.”Sheslidapieceofspicedchickenfromakebabandsavored
thetaste.“AndwhenIwalkedin,youwerekissingDemitri.”

“Oh.Theydon’tcount.”

“Thanks,oldfriend,”Demitrisaid.Hewasstillporingoverthemaps,aworriedlookonhishandsome
face.DemitriwasjustastallandmuscularasNicoandAndreas,buthedressedinfinelytailoredsuits
insteadofsloppyjeansandshirts.

Rebeccathoughtshepreferredsloppyjeans,atleastonAndreas.Hehadarawsensualitythatsheliked;
Rebecca,who’dneverdoneanythingrawinherlife.

“We’relikeoldcomrades,”Andreassaid.“Closerthanbrothers.Andwe’renothuman;thesamerules
don’tapplytous.”

“Convenient.”

“Ithinkso.”

Rebecca’sgazestrayedtohisthroat,wherethechainhe’dwornwasgone.Shewonderedwhatthatmeant
towhatwasbetweenthem—ifthereeverhadbeenanythingbetweenthem.

Shemadeherselfwalkawayfromhimtothemapsspreadacrossthetable.Demitrigaveheralittlesmile,
unembarrassed,ascomfortablewithhimselfasAndreaswas.

They’dtoldheraboutsummoningBesandwhathe’dsaid,andNicotakingoffbeforedawn.Shelookedat
theplacesNicohadmarked,roughcirclesontheneatlayoutofthemap.

“Here,”shesaid,runningherfingeralongthelineofoasesinthedesertswestofCairo.“Somewhere
alongthisroad.”

“Howdoyouknowthat?”Andreaslookedoverhershoulder.“We’vegotthewholecountrytosearch—
thewholeworld,actually.”

“BecauseIreadthewallinthetomb,”Rebeccasaid.

“Whichsaidwhat?”

“Theendingwoundoffintogibberish—atleast,Icouldn’treadmuchofit.Butittalkedaboutsecluding
theladyinthehiddenpalaceandtheloversearchingadamantlyuntilhefoundher.”

“Whathasthatgottodowiththewesternoases?”DemitriaskedinamorepolitetonethanAndreashad
used.

“Itwastalkingaboutgardensinthedesert,”shetoldthem.“Ancient,beautifulpalacesthathavediedand
waittoliveagain.Placeswhereforgottenkingswillrisefromthesandsandthingslikethat.Thatmight
meanruinsinornearoneoftheoases.I’vebeenoutthere—lotsoffascinatingstuff.”

“I’vebeenoutthere,too,”Demitrisaid,pained.“Lotsofsand.”

“Whyonlyinthewest?”Andreasasked.“Thereareoasesintheeasternpartofthecountry,too.Allover
thedesertsouthere,infact.”

“Theforgottenkings.”AndreasandDemitrilookedblank,andsheshookherheadinexasperation.“The
mummiesthatwerefoundnearBahariyyaabouttenyearsago.Aboutahundredofthem,andtheythink
therearehundredsmore.Don’tyoureadthearchaeologicalnews?”

“Sorry,”Andreassaid.“Beenbusy.”

“Iheardaboutit,”Demitriputin.“Buttenyearsago.”

Rebeccacouldn’timagineanyonenotknowingeverythingaboutanexcitingfind,butsheletitgo.
“Anyway,that’swhattheinscriptioncouldhavebeenreferringto.Theforgottenkingsrisingfromthe
sandsmightbethemummies.Thereareplentyofruinsoutthere.Ithasn’tallbeenexplored,becausemost
peoplewanttodotheValleyofKings.”

“Youknowthat,”Demitrisaid.“DoesNico?”

“Doesn’tmatter.IfwecanfindPatricia,thenwe’llfindNico.”

“Butit’sNicowhohastofindhertobreakthespell,”Andreasremindedher.Hetracedhisfingersdown
herspine,whichhadherinstantlyflushing.

“ItmaybethatonlyNicowillbeabletofindher.Butnowhereonthewalldiditsayhisfriendscouldn’t
helphimalongtheway.Infact,therewasapictureoffriendsaroundthewingedgod,includinga
leopard.”ShelookedstraightatDemitri.“Andatiger.”

“Areyousure?”Demitriaskedinsurprise.

“Whynot?TheancientEgyptianscouldknowabouttigers.Thecaravanrouteswentalongwayeast.
Pharaohshadallkindsofexoticanimalsintheirmenageries.Itwasaverycosmopolitansociety.”

“Imeant,howcouldthepersonwhomadetheinscriptioninthefirstplacehaveknownthatwe’dallbe
theretohelphim?”

“Well,Idon’tknow.”RebeccatriedtostepawayfromAndreasandhisintriguingwarmth,butshe
couldn’t.“IonlyknowwhatIreadandtranslated.”

“It’sgoodenoughforme,”Demitrisaid,foldingthemaps.“Betterthansittingaroundhereworrying.I’ll
gowithyou.Icanarrangefortransportation.”Helookeddownathisexquisitesuitandwinced.“I’llhave
tofindsomethingtowear.”

“That’ssettled,then.”Rebeccayawnedandrubbedahandthroughhertangledhair,butheradrenaline
waskickingin.“Letmecleanupandchange.IwishBeshadn’tsentmeallthewaybacktoNewYork.I’ll

nevergetovermyjetlagatthisrate.”

Shewalkedoutoftheroom,feelingAndreas’sgazeonhereverystepoftheway.Shehopedasshe
showeredthathe’dentertheroomandtrytojoinher,butheneverdid.

PATRICIAgotupbeforeshefadedtoofarintothebath.Theairwaswarmenoughsoshedidn’tshiver,
butsheappreciatedthepileoffluffytowelsshefoundonastandnexttothetub.

Shecouldn’tbringherselftodressinherfilthyclothesagain,soshekeptthetowelwrappedaroundher.
Shewentaroundthecorneragain,tofindherprisonhadexpandedyetmore.

Nowabedstoodinthecorner,anexoticbedwithacanopyofpointedarchesandplentyofsilkhangings
andcushions.Exhausted,Patriciahadnocompunctionaboutclimbingontothebedandlettingthesoftness
takeherwearylimbs.

Shedidn’tmeantosleep,butshewokeabruptlyseveralhourslatertoseethatshewasn’talone.Aman
stoodaboutthreefeetfromthefootofherbed,armsfoldedoverabaretorso.

Patriciakeptthecoverspulledfirmlytoherchinandlookedbackathim.Hewastallandmuscularand
worenothingbutaclothdrapedaroundhiswaist.

“Whoareyou?”Patriciaaskedhim.SherepeatedthephraseinArabic.

Themanregardedherstonily,obviouslynotunderstandingher.

“I’veseenthismovie,”shetoldhim.“Don’teventhinkaboutravishingme.”

Shewasn’tafraid,becauseitwasallsoabsurd.Thebedwithitslushhangings,thefruit,thebath,andthe
half-nakedmanwerealllikesomethingfroma1920sfilm.Sheadmittedthatitwasbetterthanhuddling
aloneandafraidinthedark,butthiswasbizarre.

Musicbegan,thewild,fastEgyptianmusicplayedatpartiesandweddings.Themanstartedtodancein
smooth,sensualwaves,flowingandundulatingwithgrace.

“Isee,”Patriciasaid.“You’retheentertainment.”

Themanwentondancing,ignoringher.Hewasquitegood,hisbodygleamingwithoilinthesubdued
candlelight.Hishipsswayedenticingly,hismovementsstrongandsensual.

Patriciawatchedhimforawhilebeforesherealizedhewasnotgoingtostop.

“Youknow,I’dmuchratheryoutoldmewherethedoorwas,”shesaid.“Ifyou’regettingpaidtodothis,
I’llgiveyouabonusforpointingthewayout.”

Themancontinuedtodancelikehehadn’theardher.PatriciaknewherArabicwasn’tgoodenoughto
makeherselfunderstood,soshelapsedintosilence.

Hisbodywaslikeliquidsensuality,butPatriciafeltonlypaininherheart.ItremindedherofhowNico
haddancedforherinhisapartment,howhe’dsmiledashe’dslidhishandstoherwaistandswayedwith
her.

Sheunderstoodnowwhyhe’dresistedstayingwithher.Ifhispainhadbeenanythinglikewhatshe
experiencednow,sheknewwhyhe’dtriedtoavoidit.Nicohadlivedthroughthousandsofyearsofthat
pain.

“Damnyou,Hera,”shesaid.“Youhavesomuchpower,andyouwasteitpunishingamanwhoonlywants
tolove.”Patriciakneltuprightinthebed,stillclutchingtheblankets.“Doyouhearme?Ithinkyou’re
nothingbutameanbitch.Youpunishothersforyourownhurting.Somanypeoplearestarvingorhelpless
inthisworld,andyouobsessonpettyvengeance.”

Shefellsilent,halfexpectingtheamenitiestovanishandthewallstofallonher.Butthemusicwenton,
andtheoiledmankeptdancing.

Patriciasankdowntothepillowsagain.Shewantedtogetoutofthebed,butthedancingmankeptstaring
ather,andherdirtyclotheswereontheothersideoftheroom.

Almostassoonasshehadthethought,asilkrobeappearedatthefootofthebed,alongwithwhatlooked
likeabellydancingcostume.

Ignoringthesequinedbraandgauzyskirt,shepulledontherobeandbelteditbeforedroppingthetowel.
Thedancerignoredher,stillundulatingtothemusiclikehewasonautomatic.

Amindlessdrone,shethought.LiketheDyons.

Patriciaclimbedoutofbedandmovedbackintothealcovewherethebathwas,theareanowcontaining
benchesstrewnwithcushions.

ButasmuchasPatriciapaced,shefoundnodoororwindow,notevenaventilationshaftthat
communicatedwiththeoutsideworld.

Sheclenchedherfistsandletoutascream.Itrangtotheceilingbutwasdrownedoutbythewildmusic.

Thedancerwhirledon,obliviousofherfrustration.Shewatchedhimswayhishipsandswirlaround,
armsandhandsworking,thenshesatdownonthecushionedbenchandcried.

“ITwashere,”Ahmedsaid.“Ithink.”

Theystoodonaduneattheendofthejeeproad,staringoutacrosstheemptydesert.

Itwasbeautiful.Wavesofsandflowedunderthebluesky,acontrastofcolorandlight.Behindthemwas
therockydesert,theoasisswallowedinthemistonthehorizon.

“Sandstormiscoming,”Ahmedsaid,sniffingtheair.HisbrotherFaisalnodded.“Wecan’tstartnow.”

Nicoconceded.Hecouldsurviveeventheworstsandstorm,orhecouldeasilyflyawayfromit,buthis
humancompanionscouldnot.

Theytookshelterinarockyoutcroppingbelowthedunes,andNicohelpedthebrothersunrollthecloth
topoverthejeep.Itwouldn’tbemuchshelter,butwouldhelpkeepoutthebruntofthestorm.

Whenithit,thevisibilitydisappearedwithinseconds.Nicohuddledinthejeepwiththebrothers,who
startedswappingstoriesaboutothersandstormsthey’dweathered.Nicosatsilentlyandthoughtabout

Patricia.

Hesworehe’dheardhercallouttohim,inavoiceringingacrossthesands,butwhenhe’dsatup,he’d
realizedthatAhmedandFaisalhadheardnothing.Hewantedhersomuch,solongedtohearhertellhim
thatshelovedhim,thathervoicehadcutthroughhisdreams.

Herememberedthenaughtylookinhereyesasshe’dfantasizedoutloudinthecaronthewaytoCornell.
She’ddescribedhowshe’dopenhisjeansandfondlehim,thensuckhiscockintohermouth.

Herememberedallthetimesshe’dreallydoneit.Patriciaseemedespeciallyfondofhiscock,lovingto
simplyholditandgazeatit.Shelikedlickingitandnibblingonit,andseeinghowmuchofitshecould
takeintohermouth.

Patriciahadaskilled,wickedmouth.She’dalwayssmiledathimafterward,pleasedwithherself.

He’dgiveanythingtohaveherwithhimnow,lockedalonewithhiminthissandstorm.She’dlookathim
withhersexyeyesandwhispertohimhowmuchshewantedtopleasurehim.Him,theslavethatwas
supposedtobedevotedtoherpleasure.

She’dnevertriedtotakeadvantageofhisbondagetoher,nevertriedtohumiliatehim.Everythingshe’d
doneoraskedhimtodohadbeenloving,sweet,beautiful.

Thesandstormlastedseveralhours,andbythetimeitlessened,thesunwassinking.AhmedandFaisal
gotoutofthejeep,brushedawaytheworstofthesand,andstartedsettingupacamp.

Nicohelpedthem,thenlefttobegintoexplorethedunes.

REBECCAworriedaboutgettingtotheoasesquickly,untilDemitritoldherhehadaprivateplane.
They’dflyouttoDakhlaandbethereinafewhours.

Andreashadn’tspokenmuchtoheratall.She’dcleanedupanddressedwithoutseeinghim,fumingthat
hehadn’ttriedtogetintotheshowerwithher.

Intheplane,shehadaseattoherself,withDemitriacrossfromherandAndreasbehindher.She
pretendedtoignoreAndreasandtalkedtoDemitriinstead.

“So,you’reademigod,too?”sheaskedhim.

Henodded.“MyfatherwasApollo,mymotheramagicwomanfromtheIndusValley.Shecouldtakethe
formofatiger,andshetaughtmetoaswell.”

“Andyou’vebeenfriendswithNicoandAndreassince...?”

“Sinceforever,aspeopleliketosaynow.Wemetasyoungmen.WhenHeratrappedthetwoofthemwith
hercurse,Iwasn’tthere.IdecidedtostickaroundandhelpthemasIcould.”

Rebeccasawguiltinhiseyesthathe’dbeenelsewherewhenHerahadtakenhervengeance.He’dstayed
notonlybecausehewantedtohelphisfriendsbuttoatoneforescaping.

Andreasdidn’tcontributetotheconversation,andwhenRebeccalookedbehindher,heseemedtobe
asleep.Shesetherjawandlookedoutofthewindowinsilence.

TheylandedfirstatBahariyyabutfoundnoevidencethatNicohadcomethisway.Demitriinsistedthey
continuetoFarafraandthenDakhla.Itwasgettinglatebythen,sotheyoptedtostayinasmallhoteland
continuetheirsearchthenextday.

Rebeccafounditstrangetowalkoncool,greengrassunderpalmtreeswhen,notfaraway,thestark
desertspreadacrossthousandsofmiles.Thiswasabeautifulplace,anislandinthedesert,butit
frightenedherthatPatriciamightbelostsomewhereintheendlesssands.

DemitridiscoveredquicklythatNicohadbeenthere.Thevillagersherekneweveryone,andeveryone
hadheardthestoryofAhmedshootingagodlikemanoutofthesky.Theyscoffedatthestorybutagreed
thatAhmed’sfamilyhadfoundamaninthedesertanddrivenoffwestwithhim.

Demitriwenttohireacarandguide,whileRebeccaporedoveralocalmapinherhotelbedroom,trying
todecidewhichwaytheyshouldgo.

SheheardAndreasenterandstandrightbehindher.Hesmelledofsweatandthedieselofthecarthathad
broughtthemhere,andhisownmalemusk.

“Whydidyoucomeback?”heaskedabruptly.

Shekepthergazeonthemap,pretendinghisnearnessdidn’tunnerveher.“TohelpPatricia.Itwas
ridiculousformetostayhomewhenIknewwhattheinscriptiononthewallsaidandmaybehowtohelp
her.”

“Nootherreason?”

Rebeccaturnedaround,suppressingashiverasshelookedupathistall,powerfulbody.

“DoyouwantmetotellyouIcamebackforyou?Afteryoufledthesceneinthetomb?”

Hisblueeyesdarkened.“Ihadto.IknewHerawouldneverletmego.She’dtrickBesintogivingme
backtoherifIstayed.IwentbacktoOlympustotalktotheothergods.”

Rebeccahadneverthoughtinherlifeshe’dbewithamanwhosocasuallymentionedthathetalkedtothe
godsoftheGreekpantheon.“Andwhatdidyoutalkabout?”

“IgotapromisemadethatifNicoandIwerefree,we’dbefreeforalways.AndthatHeracouldn’ttake
herrevengeonyou.Youarenottobehurt.”

“Thatwasniceofyou.”

Andreasgrowled,hisleopardliketemperreturning.“Itwasn’tnice.Itwasnecessary.”

“ImeantitwaskindofyoutomakesureI’dbeallright.”

“Damnit.”Andreasgrabbedherbytheelbowsandpulledhertighttohim.“I’mnotkind.Idon’tdothings
tobekind.IwantedyoutobeallrightsowhenIsawyouagain,Icouldhaveyouback.Iwantyoutobe
allrightbecause—Iwantyoutobe.”

Whydidhealwaystakeherbreathaway?NomanhadeverwantedherlikeAndreaswantedher.Itwasa

headyfeeling,andfrightening,too,becauseshedidn’twantitevertostop.

“You’renotunderthecurseanymore,”shesaid,tryingtoholdhervoicesteady.

“Nokidding.”Andreasputhisthumbsunderherjawandturnedherfaceuptohis.“Idon’tcareaboutthe
damncurse.Ijustwanttofindoutwhatitwillbelikewithyouwithoutit.”

Herhearthammered.“Youmeanlikeanexperiment?”

“Idon’tcarewhatyoucallit.Iwantyoutobesafe,butIwanttobewithyou.It’sdrivingmecrazy.Why
didn’tyoustayinNewYork?”

“Ialreadytoldyouwhy.”

“Howareyousupposedtostaysafeifyoudon’tdowhatItellyou?”

Shestartedtolaugh.Thistall,strongmalehadcometoherinherlittleroomattheBandBandmadeher
takeoffherbraandgiveittohim.Thenhe’dpleasuredherinashowerinLondontowashawayherfear
oftheDyons.Herheartbegantothumpasshethoughtthatmaybethey’dfinallyconsummatetheir
relationshipinthisexoticoasisinEgypt.

Shereacheduptokisshim,intendingabrief,temptingkiss,buthepulledherintoitandtookhermouthin
hunger.

Healwaysbowledheroverwithhisextrememasculinity.Walkingintoseehimstickinghistongueinto
Demitri’smouthhadonlystokedthefires.Andreaswaseverythingthatwasmasculineanddominantand
wildandexciting.

“Makelovetome,”shewhispered.She’dgottentothepointwhereshewasn’tabovealittleshameless
begging.

Hedrewbackwithahotsmile,revertingtotheAndreassheknew.

“Howdoyouwantmetodoit?Onyourback,meonmyback,mebehindyou?Icanthinkofmanyexotic
ways.”

Rebecca’spulsesped.“Howeveryouwantit.”

Heslidhisarmsaroundherandgentlybitherear.“Don’ttemptmelikethat.Ihaveademigod’spower,
unrestrainednow.ThethingsIcouldmakeyoudo...”

“ImeanthatIcan’tdecide.”

“Hmm.”Andreassteppedback,hisicebluegazesweepingherbody.“Whydon’tyouletmecallthe
shots,then?”

Hercleftwaswarm,aching,whileherimaginationspun.“Thatwouldbegood.”

“Strip.”

Theabruptcommandmadeherblink,butinanothersecond,Rebeccastartedtearingoffherclothes.

Andreaspointedatthebed.“Liedown.”

Rebeccabreathlesslyclimbedontothebedandbouncedontoherback.Whenshelookedup,Andreaswas
naked,hislovelybodyglisteningwithsweat.Hishardfaceandcooleyesmadeacontrasttohisthick
cockliftingforherinwanting.

“Spreadforme,baby,”hesaidsoftly.

Rebeccaspreadherlegs,bendingherkneesandslidingherfeettoherhips.“Likethis?”

“You’rebeautiful.”Andreasclimbedonthebedandpositionedhimselfbetweenherthighs,hisbody
heavyandwarm.“You’resobeautiful.”

Hislipsfoundhers.Heplayfullynippedthem,butshesensedmostofhisplayfulnesshadfled.Hewasall
businessnow,allman,andhewantedher.

“Haveme,”shewhispered.Sheliftedherhips,herpussyfullandhotforhim.

Shefelthisfingersswirloverheranddipintohermoisture.“You’reasweethearttobesowetforme.”

“I’vebeenwantingyouforalongtime.Eversinceyoucameinmyroomandtoldmetotakeoffmybra.”

“Youwantedmebeforethat.”Hiseyessparkled.“YouwantedmewhenIwaslickingyourbreasts.”

“Ithoughtthatwasadream.”

“Nope.Itwasreal.”Hedrewhishottonguearoundhernipple.“Youtastedgood.”

“Youwerealeopard.”

“Andyouwereasweetthing.Iwantedtoburymyselfbetweenyourlegsandlickyourpussyclean.”He
shrugged.“ButIdidn’twanttoscareyou.”

Hiswordsmadethepoolofheatinsideherboilover.“Fuckme,”shebegged.“Please,Andreas.I’m
dyingforyou.”

“Youlookprettyhealthy.”Hesmiled,slowandsensual.“Butallright.”

Hetookherlipsinahardkissatthesametimeheliftedslightlyandpushedinsideher.Hewasatightfit,
andhespreadherandstretchedheruntilshegasped.

“Ican’ttakeallofyou.”

“Yes,youcan,sweetheart.”Hiseyeswerehalfclosed,hisvoiceragged.“You’resobeautiful,Becky.”

Sheliftedherlegsandwrappedthemaroundhisback.Hepushedinside,farther,farther.Hewouldtear
herapart.

Andreasgroaned.Hiseyesclosed;hismottledwhiteandblackhairfellacrosshisflushedface.“Damn,”
hebreathed.

Hestartedtorideher.Theymovedtogether,bodytobody,herhandsonhisback,hismouthopeninghers

inheated,bruisingkisses.

“Iloveyou,”shewhispered.“Oh,gods,Andreas,Iloveyou.”

“Loveyou,too,Becky,”hesaidhoarsely.“Yousweet,sweetwoman.”

Shelayback,beginningtocomeunderhim,butherockedintoherforalongtime.Bythetimehefinished,
shewaslaughing,sore,bruised,andhappy.

EvenifaftertheyfoundPatricia,Andreasdecidedtodisappeartohisdemigodworld,orwhereverhe
went,Rebeccawouldhavethis.She’dalwaysremember.

Theyemergedfromthebedroomhourslater,dressedagain,asDemitrireturnedtotellthemhe’darranged
foracaranddrivertotakethemoutintothesands.

23

AHMEDdrovethejeeptotheendofthetrackatfirstlight,andtheyproceededonfootoverthedunes.
Ahmedhadastickthathekeptrunningoverthesand,swearingthatitwouldpointtheirwaytotheruins.

Nicowasn’tsurehebelievedthat,butheletAhmedleadtheway.Thebrothershadgrownupinthis
countryandknewit,andNicohadn’tbeenthiswayinthousandsofyears,sinceRomantimes.Amazingly,
itdidn’tlookmuchdifferent.

Afterabouthalfanhourofsearching,Ahmed’sstickthumpedonsomethinghardunderthesand.Hebroke
intoagrin.

“It’shere.”

NicoandFaisaljoinedhimontheirkneestostartscrapingawaysand.Nico’spulsequickenedwith
sickeningfear.Patriciacouldn’tbeburiedinaruinhere.She’dneversurvive.

Thelandwascoveredwithsandasfarastheeyecouldsee,nooutcroppingsorman-madeedifices
pokingthrough.IfPatriciawasunderhere,she’dhavenowaytobreathe.

Theydugquickly,thesandslidingandspillingbackasfastastheymovedit.Faisalhadbroughtashovel,
whichhelped,butthefinaluncoveringtheyhadtodobyhand.Whattheyfoundwasasquare,flatstone
thathadobviouslybeenhewnbyanancientchisel.

“Yousee?”Ahmedsaid.“Iknowwherealltheruinsare.”

Nicolaydownandputhiseartothehotstone.Hecouldhearnothing,feelnothing.Itwastoodamnthick.

“Howbigisthisplace?”heasked.

Ahmedshrugged.“Idon’tknow.I’veneveruncoveredallofit.”

“Ineedtogetinsidethis.Ineedtofindher.”Hebrokeoffinfearandfrustration.“Shemightnotevenbe
here.”

Yesterday,he’dheardhervoiceloudandclear,echoingacrosstheemptiness.Iloveyou,Nico.Loveyou
somuch.

He’dthoughthe’dimaginedit,butnowhewonderedagain.Patriciawaspsychic.Whatwastosayshe
couldn’tprojectstrongpsychicenergythathisownmagicpickedup?

Ahmedsuddenlyscreamed.NicojerkedhisheadupintimetoseeAhmedleapfromthetopofthe
building,hisfacewhitewithfear.

NicoandFaisalsteppedhurriedlybackintothesands,Faisalholdinghisshovelhigh.Fromthecornersof
thebuilding,dozensofsnakeshademerged:desertvipers,thinanddeadly.Theiryellow,slittedeyes
beamedhatred.

“Stayback,”Nicotoldthetwomen.

Hisfirstbeatoffearturnedtooneofgrimsatisfaction.HerahadjustsignaledloudandclearthatPatricia
washere,unlessthiswasanotherdecoy.

Hedidn’tthinkso.Thesnakesbegantocoilonthehotrock,thenonebyoneroseintotheformsofDyons.

“Demons,”Ahmedcried.Heunshoulderedhisrifle,bringingitupinhishands.Faisalsteppedbehind
him,eyeswide,shovelready.

Nicowasn’tquitesureoftheiroddsagainstanarmyofDyons,evenwithAhmed’srifle.Dyonscouldn’t
killNico,buttheycouldtearhimapartenoughthathewouldbeabloody,uselesswreckforsometime,
andofcoursetheycouldkillhishumancompanions.

Windwhippedupbehindhimandthetwomen,sandrisinginadeadlycloud.Butthiswasnoordinary
sandstorm.Itwassomethingmalevolent,awhirlpoolofsandwiththethreemenandtheDyonsinthe
vortex.

“Gobacktoyourjeep,”NicoshoutedatAhmedandFaisal.“You’lldiehere.Goback.”

Bothmenlookedliketheywantedtorunbutheldtheirground.“I’llnotleaveafriendtodie,”Ahmed
said.

ItwouldmorelikelybeAhmedwhodied,butNicohadnotimetoargue.TheDyonsattackedatthesame
timethesandswhirledtoswallowthemup.

Nicofought,revertingtohistrueformastheDyonsreachedforhim.Histrueformwasmostlylight,the
shapeofthewingedmansolidifyingit.Nicowasathismostpowerfulinthisform,abletofusethemagic
ofhisdivinehalfintosomethingdeadly.

Butkeepingthatformtookitstoll.Hetiredmorequickly,whichwouldleavehimvulnerable,andthe
slavechainmadeeverythingmoredifficult.

NicoheardAhmedandFaisalbothcryout,andhedidhisbesttodefendthem.TheDyonsswarmedhim,
andsandstungandscouredhim.Thesandwouldriphisfleshfromhisbones,andtheDyonswouldfinish
theprocess.OnlyagodcouldkillNico,butwhentheDyonsfinished,heknewhe’dwishhimselfdead.

Ahmed’scriesturnedtoshouts.DimlyNicoheardthewhirrofanengine,andhewonderedwhocould
havedrivenouthereamidthesandcyclone.

Thennewshapesenteredthefray,alithe,whitesnowleopardfollowedbyahugetigerripplingwith
muscle.Nicolaughed,gettingsandinhismouth,buthefoughtthroughDyonstostandsidebysidewithhis
friends.

“Joinwithme,”heyelledoverthestorm.

AndreasandDemitricouldn’tanswerintheiranimalforms,buthefelttheirsurgeofmagic.Hejoinedhis
toit,andtheDyonsclosesttothemcrumbledintodustbeforetheonslaught.

TheotherDyons,mindlessbeings,convergedforanotherattack.Thethreedemigodsstruckagain,
breakingthefirstline.

Butthey’dkeepcoming,againandagain,untilNico,Andreas,andDemitriwereworndown.Hecouldn’t
seeAhmedandFaisalanymoreandhopedthey’dhadthesensetorunforsafety.

Thethreedemigodscontinuedthebattlewithoutspeaking,theirmagicsfusedintoone.Nicolovedthe
feeling,havinghistwobestfriendspartofhim,abondunlikeanythingelse.Sometimesthethreeofthem
gotclosetothisduringsexualplay,theirpowerflowingintooneanotherthroughhands,tongues,and
cocks,butmortalbodieswerelimited.Thisjoiningwasjoy.

HemarveledthathismortalbodyandPatricia’scouldcometogetherwiththesamejoy.That’swhatlove
did,hedecided;itexpandedwhatwasphysicalintosomethingmagicalandpowerful.

HeneededthatwithPatriciaevenmorethanheneededhisgodlikepowers,hisimmortality,andhis
wings.

Nicoheardagrindingsoundandgleefulshouting,andoutofthecornerofhiseye,hesawAhmed’sjeep
breakthroughthesandsofthecyclone.ThejeeplandedonalineofDyons,breakingthemdownintotheir
snakeforms,whichhurriedlycrawledaway.

AndreasandDemitrileaptforward,theirbig-catformstakingdownthelasttwoDyons.Thewhirling
sandsuddenlystopped,thelastparticlesrainingdownonthegatheredgroupandthejeep.Thebluesky
archedserenelyoverheadasthoughnothinghadeverhappened.

Thejeepwasfullofsand,andsandpiledontheheadsofthegrinningAhmed,Faisal,andRebecca.

“Whew!”Rebeccacalled,brushingsandfromherface.“Ididn’tthinkthatwouldwork.”

THEnextproblemwashowtogetintotheruinbeneaththeirfeet.Thestormhaddumpedmostofthesand
they’dlaboredtosweepfromthetopofitbackon.

WithAndreasandDemitritohelp,theycleareditagain,onlytobefacedwithaslabofblankstone.

“Wecoulddrill,”Ahmedsuggested.“Orgetexplosives.”

“No!”RebeccacriedbeforeNicocould.“Thisisanartifact.Itneedstobeproperlyexcavated.”

“Patriciamightbeinthere,”Nicosnapped.“Noexplosives—oranexcavationthatcouldtaketwoyears,”
headded,lookingpointedlyatRebecca.

“OfcourseIwanttogetPatriciaoutsafely,”Rebeccareturned.“Butifwecoulddisturbthisaslittleas
possible?”

Faisalruinedthatideabybangingonthetopofthestonewiththepointofhisshovel.Littlechipsofstone
flewout,toRebecca’sdistress,butitdidn’tmakemuchofadent.

“Itwilltaketoolongwithoutthepropertools,”Faisalconcluded.

“We’llhavetodigdownthesides,”Ahmedsaid.“Findadoorbelowthesand?”

“Icouldsendforabackhoe,”Demitrioffered.HeandAndreashadresumedtheirhumanformsandtheir
clothes,whichRebeccahadbroughtinthejeep.Rebeccawincedatthewordbackhoebutkeptsilent.

“Couldheavyequipmentgethereontheseroads?”Andreasasked.

“IhavetoadmitIdon’tknow.”

Ahmedlookedofftothewestandsighed.“Itlookslikeanothersandstormcoming.Arealone.”

Nicostoodstaringattheslabofstone,brightinthesunshine,hisheartlikelead.

Wasthishistest?WhatwouldhedoinordertoretrievePatricia?Endangerhisfriendsandstrangerswho
triedtohelphim?EndangerPatriciaherselftryingtogettoher?

“Youneedtogo,”hesaidabruptly.

Andreasstartedtosnarl,hiseyesflashingdangerously,andDemitribrokein.“Why?”

“Becausethishastobeme,alone.”

“No,”Rebeccasaid.“Isawthewall.Youshouldbehelpedbyatigerandaleopard—”

“AndIwas.YouhelpedmedefeattheDyonsandHera’sdefenses,butIcan’tendangeryouanymorefor
this.Pleasego.”

“Whathappensifyoucan’t?”Andreasasked.Hiseyesbetrayedhisworry.

“ThenHeradestroysme.”

“Likehell,”Andreassaid.

Nicofacedhim,hisfriendforaneternity,themanwho’dstruggledbyhissidealltheseyears,never
leavinghim.

“IstayhereuntilIfindawaytosaveher,”Nicosaid.“Iwon’twalkaway.IfthatmeansIstayhere
forever,chainedtothisplace,thensobeit.”

“She’llneversetyoufree,”Andreassaid.“That’stherealpoint,isn’tit?Herawillmakeyousearch
forever,enslavingyouforever.”

“Idon’tcareaboutthatanymore.”NicoputhishandonAndreas’sshoulder,squeezing.“Iwanttomake
surePatriciaisallright.Heracandowhatshedamnwellpleases:keepmeaslave,killme.Idon’tcare
anymore.IjustwantPatriciasafe.”

Andreasstartedtospeak,thenhesawwhatwasinNico’seyesandsubsided.

HeputhishandonNico’sshoulderandpulledhimcloseforabrief,hardhug.

“TakeRebeccaoutofhere,”Nicosaid.“Goon.”

Andreasnodded.Heturnedaway,butnotquicklyenoughforNicotomissthetearsinhiseyes.Andreas
reachedforRebeccaandledherdownintothesand.

“Yellifyouneedus,”Demitrisaid.HegaveNicothesamekindofheartfelthug.

“Iwon’t.”

Demitrionlynoddedandfollowedtheothers,butNicoknewthey’dwaitforalongtimebeforetheygave
upandwenthome.

AhmedandFaisalweremucheasiertoconvince.Ifthestorysaidthewingedmanhadtosavethegreat
ladybyhimself,thenhedid.Youdidn’tmesswithastory.

Theylefthimwaterandwishedhimluck,thenspunthejeeparoundandambleddownthedune.

Oncetheyweregone,Nicokneltonthetopofthestoneslab.Hespreadhiswingsout,fanningthehotair,
sweattricklingdownhisfaceandhalf-nakedbody.Hecrossedhiswristsinfrontofhim,asthough
offeringhimselftobebound.

“Allright,Hera,”hesaidinaconversationaltone.“I’mhere.I’vefoundher.Dowhateverthehellyou
wantwithme.Justlethergohomeandbeallright.”

Foramoment,nothinghappened.Hefeltonlythesoftbreezetouchinghishair,thethreatofstormgone,
heardonlytheslitherofsandasitsettledonthedunes.

Hewaited,knowingHeracouldmakehimkneelthereforyears,butashesuspected,shewastoo
impatientforthat.

Ashaftoflightmanifestedfromthesand,andHerastoodinitsprotectiveglow,herrobesanddarkhair
notevenstirring.

“Doyoumeanthat,shallowdemigod?”sheasked.“You’dsacrificeyourselftometosaveher?”

“Yes.”

Nicorefusedtomeethereyes,refusedtogrovelandpleadlikeshewantedhimto.Hisonlyconcernwas
savingPatricia,andtohellwithanythingelse.

“Yourlifeforhers?”Heraprodded.

“Ifnecessary.”

Thegoddessputherhandsonherplumphips.“Well,Ican’tdothat.YourfatherhasmadeitclearthatI
amnottokillhisoffspring,eventhoughhehasfollowedtherulesandnotinterferedwithmyvengeance.”

DionysushadalwaysbeenanindifferentfatherasfarasNicowasconcerned,payinglittleattentionto
himafterhe’dfatheredhim.NicowonderedifthingswouldhaveturnedoutdifferentlyifDionysushad
cared,orifNicohadtriedhardertomakehimcare.Lessonslearned.

“Thendowhateveryouwant,”Nicosaid.“ButletPatriciagosafelyhome.”

Herawatchedhim,herheadtiltedtooneside,darkeyescurious.“Youtrulythinkyouwoulddoanything
tosaveher,don’tyou?”

“Ido,”Nicosaidquietly.“Iloveher.”

“Youlovenothing.Thisisagame.Iammakingyoufeelwhatyoufeel.Me.”

“Itdoesn’tmatter.”

Herastraightenedup,herfacesofteningintoasmile.“Hethinkshe’slearnedsomethingafterall.”She
leanedtoNico,theglowstillsurroundingher.“WhatifIlethergo,andshedoesn’trememberyou?What
ifshe’sindifferenttoyouanddoesn’tloveyou?Wouldyoustillwantmetosaveher?”

Nicoknewinthatmomentthathe’dlostPatriciaforever.HerahadneverintendedtoletNicohaveher.
Shehadspunoutthistestbecauseitamusedher,andbecauseshe’dwantedtoremindBesthatshewasfar
morepowerfulthanhewas.

“Yes,”Nicosaid,histhroattight.“Itdoesn’tmatterwhatPatriciathinksofme.”

“Hmm.”Herastudiedhimafewmomentslonger,hereyesalightwithglee.“Verywell.Shegoesfree.”

Shepointedherfingeratthecorneroftheslab,anditbrokeopentorevealadarkholebeneath.AsNico
dovetowardit,Heravanished.

THEwallsaroundPatriciastartedtoshake.Themusicceasedlikesomeonehadflippedaswitch,andthe
dancervanished.

Shegaspedandclutchedthebenchsherestedon,staringattheceilinginterror.Wasthewholethingabout
toexplode,likethetomb?Wasitgoingtocomedownandcrushher?

Thesilentdancerhadbeenboringandunhelpful,butatleasthe’dbeencompany.Nowshewasgoingto
diealone.

Thebenchvanished,andPatriciaploppedontothefloor.Shehuddledintoaball,coveringherheadwith
herhands.

Thebeautifultilesdisappearedasdidthebathtubandthetableladenwithfoodanddrink.Thecandles
dissolved,leavingherindarkness.

Herhearthammered.Whywasitallbeingtakenaway?Hadshenotbeenappreciativeenough?Wasshe
supposedtohavesetupashrinetoHeraandgroveledbeforeit?

“Youheartlessbitch!”sheshouted.Notawaytoplacatethegoddess,butitmadePatriciafeelbetter.

Sheheardthewallscloseinonher,stonegrindingagainststone.Thebuildingrockedandmovedforan
excruciatinglylongtime,andthenjustasabruptly,itstopped.

Patriciarose.Sheputoutherhands,herwholebodyshaking,andstartedtowalkacrossherprison.She
nearlycriedwhenshetouchedawallrightaway,realizingthatshewasagaintrappedinthesix-by-six
cell.

Tearsrolleddownhercheeks.Maybeshe’dbeenasleepanddreamedthefoodandwater,thebathandthe
bed.Maybenoneofithadbeenreal,andhermindhadconjuredeverythinguptokeepherfromgoing
insane.

Exceptshestillworethesilkrobe,herownclotheshavingdisappeared.

“Damnit.”Patriciarestedherheadinherarmsandletherselfgo.Shechokedonsobs,cryinglikeshe’d
nevercriedinherlife.Shewaslosthere,andshe’dlosteverything.

Asuddenlightpiercedthedarkness,andshewincedatthepainofit.

“Patricia?”

Shedidn’trecognizethevoice,butshedidn’tcare.Shedashedthetearsfromhereyes,tryingtosee.

“Here!”sheshouted,herwordsstrangledfromweeping.“I’mdownhere!”

“Thankallthegods.”

Themanexudedrelief,althoughPatriciastillcouldn’tplacehim.Andreas’sfriendDemitri,maybe?

Ablockofstonenotfaraboveherslidoutoftheway,andblueskyappeared,sunshinepouringdown
throughthehole.

“Isthisreal?”sheaskedshakily.“Notmoreweirdness?”

“Thisisreal.”Themanreacheddownforher.Hehaddarkhairandeyesandasinfullyhandsomeface,
butshe’dneverseenhimbefore.

Shewasn’tcertainhecouldpullherout,buthecaughtherwristsandliftedher,thengrabbedherunderthe
shouldersandhauledhertherestofthewayout.Shelandedfacedownontopofastoneslab,sandall
aroundher.Dunesmarchedtothehorizonbeyondtheslab,knife-edgedandperfect.

Foramoment,allshecoulddowasliestillandbreathethedry,ovenlikeair,enjoyingseeingskyabove
herandtruesunlight.Thebreeze,thoughhot,spokeoffreedom.

Shesatup,pushinghercurlsfromherface.“WherethehellamI?”

“TheGreatSandSea,”herrescuersaid.“WestoftheDakhlaoasis.”

“Oh.”Shethoughtaboutthefactthatshewasliterallyinthemiddleofnowhererescuedbysomeoneshe’d
neverseenbefore.Everythingsheknewwassofaraway,butthathadn’tsunkinquiteyet.“Youspeak
English,”shesaid.

Themansmiledalittle.“Ispeakmanylanguages.”

Hecertainlywasalooker.Hisskinwastannedfrombrightsunshine,andhiseyeswerecoffee-dark.He
waswearingbluejeansandnoshirt,lettinghergetagoodlookathishardchestdustedwithblackhair.
Thesleek,oileddancerinhercellhadnothingonthisman.

Whenheturnedtofetchwater,shesawthatatattooofwingscoveredhisback,theendsdisappearing
underhiswaistband.Nice.

“Whatareyoudoingouthere?”sheasked.“NotthatI’mnotgratefulforyoupullingmeout,buthowdid
youfindme?”

Heswallowed,hisAdam’sapplebobbing,andshewasstartledtoseehiseyesmoisten.“Yourfriends

camelookingforyou.They’renotfar.Theyhaveajeep.”Hepointeddownadunethatlookedlikeallthe
otherdunes.

“That’sgoodnews.”Patriciapushedherhairfromherface.“Areyouallright?”

“Sandinmyeyes,isall.”

“Iseveryoneelseallright—Rebecca,Andreas?”

“They’refine.They’rewaitingforyou.Doyoufeeluptowalking?”

Patriciastartedtoclimbtoherfeet,thenwincedasherbaresolestouchedthestone.“Ilostmyshoes.”

“That’sallright.”

Beforeshecouldstophim,themansweptherupintohisstrongarms.Hewaspowerfullybuilt,muscles
ripplingonhisarmsandshoulders.Ifshehadtoberescued,shedidn’tmindagorgeousmanlikehim
doingtherescuing.

Hesteppedofftheslabofstone,sinkingalittleintothesand,buteasilycarryingherdownthesideofthe
dune.Shesawinthedistancethatthesandpeteredout,androcktookover.Shecouldmakeouttheoutline
oftwovehiclesagainsttherocks,andpeoplearoundthem.

Shelookedupatherrescueragain.Hisfacewasunshaven,andsanddustedhishair.Hiseyeshaunted
her:beautiful,darkeyesthatheldaworldofpain.

“HaveImetyoubefore?”sheasked.“Youlookfamiliar,but...”Sheshookherhead.“No,Idon’tthinkI
have.”

“MynameisNikolaus.EveryonecallsmeNico.”

“Thankyou,Nico.Ican’ttellyouhowhappyIamtoseeyou.”

Heflinched,jawtightening,butheremainedfirmlyupright.Shedaringlylaidherheadonhisshoulder,
looselyclaspinghisarmwithonehand.

Nicodidn’tsetherdownallthewaytothejeeps.Assoonasherfeettouchedtheground,Rebeccaflung
herselfatPatriciaandhuggedhertight,crying.

“Ithoughtyouweredead,”Rebeccasobbed.“Areyouallright?”

“Iseemtobe.”Patriciatookstock.Thethingsintheruinmighthavebeenillusion,butshefelthydrated,
fed,clean,andrested.“Itwastheweirdestexperience.”

PatricialetRebeccahelphertositinoneofthejeeps.Patriciawasn’tinahurrytobeinsideanywhere
forawhile,butthecanvastopofthejeepkeptthesunfromburningher.

“Youmusthavebeenterrified,”Rebeccawasbabbling.“I’msosorryIdidn’tgetheresooner,butBes
magickedmebacktoNewYork,andIhadtoflyallthewaytoCairoagain.”

“It’sallright,”Patriciasaid,takingalongswigofwater.Itdidn’ttastenearlyasclearandpureasthe

waterinthetiledbasinhad,butPatriciafoundshepreferredtheordinaryplasticbottle.“Iknewyou’d
findme.”

“Nicodid,”Rebeccasaid,smilinghappily.

“Yes.”Patriciaturnedtotheman,whowasbeinggreetedbyAndreasandDemitriasthoughtheyknew
himwell.“AndI’mgrateful.”

Rebeccalookedpuzzled.“Grateful?Whatdoyoumean,grateful?”

“Shouldn’tIbe?”ShegazedatNico,whoavoidedhereyes.“Itcouldn’thavebeeneasytopullmeout,”
shesaidtohim.“Idon’thavealotofmoney,butI’llfindsomewaytorepayyou.”

“Patricia,”Rebeccabegan.

“Shedoesn’trememberme,”Nicosaid.

Theothersstoppedandstaredathim,lookingstricken,andPatriciacouldn’timaginewhy.Ifshe’dmet
himinpassingsomewhere,theycouldn’treallyexpecthertorememberthatthisinstant,notafterthe
traumaofherimprisonment.

“Thatwastheprice,”Nicosaidtothem.“I’mfree,andshedoesn’tremember.”Hetouchedhisbare,
brownthroat.

RebeccalookedfromPatriciatoNico,hermouthopen.AndreasandDemitriseemedshockedbut
somehownotsurprised.

ThetwoEgyptianmenbytheotherjeepexchangedglances,andtheyoungersaidsomethinginArabic.

“Hesaysit’satragedy,”Rebeccarelated.“Theywerehopingthestoryhadahappyending,butnowthey
knowit’satragedy.Theythinkit’sromantic.”

Patriciawasrelievedenoughtolaugh.“Ithinkmegettingoutofthereisenoughofahappyendingfor
me.”

“Sheneedstogetoutofthesun,”Demitrisaid.“I’llhaveadoctormakesureshe’sallright,andonceshe
rests,everythingwillclearup.”

RebeccalookedworriedagainandurgedPatriciatodrinkmorewater.Theotherspiledinthejeeps.

PatriciafoundherselfsquishedbetweenRebeccaandNico,whoremainedsilent.

“I’msorryIdon’trememberyou,”shesaidtohimasthejeepbouncedovertherockstoamorelevel
track.“WheredidImeetyou,again?”

“Itdoesn’tmatter,”Nicosaidinableakvoiceandlookedaway.

24

WHILEPatriciasleptinthelittlehotel,Nico’sfriendstriedtocomforthim.

“Itsucks,”Andreassaid.“Anditisn’tfair.You’refreenow.Youshouldhavewhatyouwant.”

“Imadethebargain,”Nicoreplied.Hischestachedasthoughsomeonehadsteppedonhim.“Herlifeand
herfreedominexchangeformyheartbreak.Buttome,it’smoreimportantthatPatriciaisaliveandwell
thanthatshestillwantsme.”Hestopped,thewordschokinghim.“I’llmakesureshegetsbacktoNew
York,thenI’llleaveheralone.”

“Butyoupassedthetest,”Andreasprotested.

“No,”Nicosaid.“Thatwasthetest.WouldIsacrificemyownhappinessforherlife?Itwasaneasy
answer.Yes.”

Andreasstartedtoargue,butDemitrirestedhishandonAndreas’sshoulder.“Leavehimbe.Thinkabout
it.WhatifithadbeenRebecca?”

Andreas’smouthturneddown.“Iknow.I’dhavedonethesame.Istillthinkitsucks.”

Nicoleftthemandwentforawalk,notabletotakemuchmoreofhisfriends’sympathy.Theyweregood
tofeelforhim,butwhatheneededmostwastobealone.

Nico’snewfriendsAhmedandFaisalhadreturnedhome,blessedwithluck.They’dhaveagrandtime
tellingthestoryofhowtheyfoughtsnakemonsterssidebysideinthedesertwiththreedemigodwarriors.
Theywouldlikelytellthestoryoverandoverastheyearswenton,untiltheywerefamousforit.Asto
whowouldbelieveit,itwashardtosay.

Thehotelwassituatednearcultivatedfields,thesmellofgreenassailinghimasNicostrolledalong.
Palmtreessoaredoverhead,dateshanginginhuge,goldenbrownbunches.

Thiswasabeautifulplace,ahavenintheharshdesert,butNicocouldn’tenjoyit.Hecouldonlyseethe
blankpolitenessinPatricia’saquamarineeyeswhensheasked,“HaveImetyoubefore?”

Heraknewhowtotwisttheknife.Nico’sguthurt,andthehurtonlyincreasedwhenherealizedthatwhat
he’dfeltforPatriciaundertheslavechainhadbeenreal.He’dlovedher,andnowthathewasfreeofthe
curse,helovedherstill.

He’dheardhertellRebeccaofthestrangeroomthathadgivenhermoreandmorecomforts,takingthem
allbackassoonasNicofoundher.HewonderedifBeshadworkedsomemagictogiveherthat.Hera
likelywouldn’thave.Patriciahadbeensmiling,hereyestiredbutunafraid.Herordealhadnotbroken
her.

Nicoknewthatnomatterhowmuchithurt,hewouldn’ttakebackhissacrifice.Patriciawassafe,andthat
mattered.Hewouldgoaway,andshecouldgetbacktoherreallife.

AnEgyptianmaninabusinesssuitwalkedtowardhim,andNicostoppedtowaitforhim.

“Hello,myfriend,”Bes,intheguiseofMr.Ajeed,said.“Alliswell?”

Nicofoldedhisarmsoverhisborrowedcaftanandfellintostepwithhimastheywalkedalong.“Patricia
iswell.Thankyouforhelping.Wasityouwhogaveherthefruitandwaterandsoforthinthecell?”

Besbeamed.“Yes,thatwasme.Everytimeyouthoughtabouthowmuchyoulovedher—thoughtitfrom
yourheartandyourgut—shereceivedanotherbenefit.Yourloveforherkeptherfedandwarmandrested
whileshewaited.”

Nico’seyesnarrowed.“Whatwaswiththenakeddancingman?”

“Ithoughtshe’dlikeit,”Bessaidinnocently.

“Ijustwishshe’dstoptalkingaboutit,”hegrowled.

Besgavehimasympatheticlook.“Iheardofyoursacrifice.Itwasnoblydone.”

“I’llfeelnoblelater.RightnowIfeellikesomeonehitmewithatruck.”Hetiltedhisheadbacktostop
thetearsfromleakingfromhiseyes.“Iloveher.”

“Yes.”Beswalkedinsilenceamoment.“Youpassedthetest;youarefree.Youwillfindyourreward.”

“Idon’tgiveadamnaboutrewards.I’llmakesurePatriciagetshome,thenI’llgotoOlympus.Ineed
somepeaceaboutnow.”

“YoucouldalwaysguardthetombinAmarnawithme.Thatispeaceful.”

“Thetombwasdestroyed.”

“Yes,butthelordmuststillbeguarded.Archaeologistswillcomesoonandtakehimtoamuseum,and
thenIcango.”

Nicogavehimalookofnewrespect.“Iwishallthegodswereasloyalandsteadfastasyou.”

“TheEgyptianpeopleweregoodtome,beforethegodswereforgotten.Iguardedhomesagainstsnakes
andotheranimalsandmadesureeventhehumblestofthepeopleweresafe.Theypaidmebackin
reverence.”

“YouhelpedAndreasandme,too.Why?We’renotevenofyourpeople.”

Besshrugged.“Ihadseveralthousandyearstostudythewallpainting.Iknewyou’dcomeeventually.It
wasveryexciting,actually—themostexcitementI’dhadinmillennia.”

Nicosmiled,hislipsstiff.“Iwon’tforgetyou,Bes.AnytimeyouwanttocometoOlympus,I’llmakesure
theyletyouin.”

“Afineoffer,”Bessaid.“Imightpayyouavisit.Youdodeservearewardforyourkindness,andyou
willhaveit.”

Nicowishedhe’ddroptheadmiration.“Idon’tneedanything.Justalittlepeaceandquiet.”

“Oh,yes,youdo.Youwillgetyourreward.I’llmakesureofit.Waitandsee.”

Bessmiledmysteriously,thenhestopped,shookhandswithNico,andstrodeofftheotherway.

BackinAndreas’sroom,NicofoundDemitrionhiscellphonetalkingtopeopleathishotelandRebecca
sittingonAndreas’slap,kissinghim.

RebeccaslidtoherfeetwhenshesawNico,blushing.Andreasloungedback,asatisfiedlookinhisblue
eyes.Astraycatfromthevillagesatonthewindowsillbehindhim,purring.

“AssoonasI’mbackatCornell,I’mputtinginforagranttodigouthere,”RebeccatoldNico.“Idon’t
knowwhatthoseruinsare,butthestoneisolderthanGreco-Roman.Wanttojoinus?”

“Ifyoucanfinditagain,”Nicosaidabsently.

“What?Whynot?Icanhireyourfriendstodrivemeoutthere.Theyseemednice.”

“Itmightnotbearealplace—maybesomethingHeraputtogether.Besides,whataboutyourtombin
Amarna?”

“Myruinedtomb,”shesaidinasadvoice.“Whenwestartexcavatingthat,they’llbeabletotellitwas
destroyedjustlastweek.”

“They’llthinkitwasanearthquake,”Andreassuggested,stretchinghisarmsalongthebackofthesofa.
“Orvandals.Whichistrue;itkindofwasboth.”

“I’llfindtheruins,”Rebeccasaidstubbornly.“Ineedtomakemyname.”

Andreaslookedatherwithafondexpression.“Ifyouwantitthatmuch,I’llhelpyou,Becky.”

Rebeccalookedsurprised.“You’dstaywithme?”

Andreaspulledherdowntothesofa“YouandIaregoingtobetogetherforalong,longtime.Ihaveso
muchmoretoteachyou,Becky.”

Rebeccaflushedwithhappiness.“IthinkI’minlovewithyou.”

“IknowI’minlovewithyou,”Andreasreturned.“Howaboutthat,Nico?Me,inlove,andnotbecauseof
thedamncurse.Forkeeps.”

“Congratulations,”Nicosaid,happyforhisfriendseventhroughtheholeinhisheart.

Demitriwasstilltalkingloudlytosomeoneonthephone,notpayingattentiontotheothers.Nicoleftthem,
drawntothedoorofPatricia’sroom.

Heknewshewasasleep.Rebeccahadgivenherasleepingpilltocalmherdownandhadshooed
everyoneawayfromher,butNicocouldn’tresistlookinginonher.

ThelatchofherdoorclickedunderNico’stouch,andhepusheditopen.Theshadesweredrawntoshut
outtheglaringsun,theroomdimandquiet.Aportablefanquietlyhummedinthecorner.

Patricialayinthemiddleofthesmallbed,asheetoverher,herheadpillowedonherarm.

Nicoclosedthedoorandsoftlyapproachedthebed.Patricialaywithhereyesclosed,hercurlsspilling
overhershoulders.

Heliftedacurlfromhercheek,smoothingitbackwithagentletouch.Knowingthatthesleepingpill
wouldhaveherslumberingsoundly,heleanedoverherandpressedakisstohercheek.

Shestirredalittle,herlipscurvingtoafaintsmile.Nico’sheartleapt,thenslowedagainwhenhermouth
smoothedbackintosleep.

Timetogo.Nicomovednoiselesslytothedoorandturnedtheknob.

“Nico?”

Patricia’ssleepyvoicearrestedhim.Hefacedthedoor,unwillingtoseethelookofblankinquiryinher
eyes.

“Sorry,”hesaid.“Iwasjustmakingsureyouwereallright.Gobacktosleep.”

Hestartedtoopenthedoor.

“Nico.”

Thethrobofloveandlongingwasunmistakable.Nicoletthedoorcloseandmadehimselflookbackat
her.

Patriciawassittingupinbed,tearsspillingdownhercheeks.“Nico,Icouldn’trememberwhoyou
were.”

Shebitbackasob,andNico’sheartshattered.Hewasacrosstheroom,scoopingheragainsthiminan
instant,buryinghisfaceinthecurveofherneck.

“Whycouldn’tIremember?”shewhispered.“Iloveyou,Nico.ItwasallIcouldthinkofwhileIwaited
foryoutorescueme.Whycouldn’tIrememberyou?”

Nicocouldn’tspeak.Heheldhersohard,hishandsshaking,tearsspillingfromhiseyes.

Shepulledawayfromhimslightlybutonlytokisshim.Nicokissedherbackdesperately,hungryforher.
Shelaughed,hewassofrantic,herlaughterspillingintohismouth.

“Iloveyou,”sherepeated.

“Iloveyou,too,Patricia.”Heheldheragainsthim,hislipsinherhair,onherface,handsfervently
undoingthebuttonsonhernightshirt.“Iloveyousomuch.”

“Thenwhydidn’tIknowyou?”

Nicodidn’twanttotalk,butshelookedsoperplexed,heexplainedwhathadhappened.“Itwasthefinal
test,”hefinished.“Atestofmylove.ThehardestthingI’vedoneinmylonglife:letyougo.”

“Ifeltsoalone.”Sheranherhandsacrosshisshoulders.

“IthinkBesgaveyoubackyourmemory,”Nicosaid.“HetoldmeI’dfindareward,andthisiswhathe
meant.Idon’tknowhowhethwartedHera.”

“Maybehedidn’t.”Patriciapulledhimdowntoher.“Iwaslyinghere,feelingsoempty,andIdidn’t
knowwhy.ItwaslikeI’dlostsomeoneIloved,someoneI’dforgotten,butIdidn’twanttoforget.Itried
liftingmypsychicshieldstosearch,andIfoundabarrierthere,oneIhadn’terected.Ipushedandpushed,
andIstarteddreamingofyou—amanwithwingstakingmetoastrangeplacewherewehadincredible
sex.”Shesmiled.“AndthenwhenIwokeupandsawyou,Iknew.”

Nico’sheartbeatfaster.“RememberthestoryRebeccatranslatedonthetombwall?Shesaidthat
pursuinglustforitsownsakewouldreturntopunishthelustful,whiletrueloveisrewardedwith
happiness.IthinkthisiswhatBesknew,thatourlovewoulddrivethoughanythingHeracouldthrowat
us.Thatlovewouldwinintheend.”Heheldherclose.“AndIdoloveyou.”

“Iloveyou,too,”shewhispered,tearsinhereyes.“I’mcrazywithit,Nico.”

“I’llneverleaveyoualone.Neveragain.”

“Justbewithmenow.”

Nicoburrowedintothenightshirt,kissingherbreasts,sucklingeachnippleintohismouth,unabletoget
enoughofher.Herippedtheshirttherestofthewayopenandstrippeditfromher,hishandspartingher
legsevenasshelaughed.

Hisneedpoundedsohardithurt.Hefeltherfingersathiswaistband,tryingtotugopenhispants.He
unzippedthemandkickedthemoff,nearlytearinghisshirtandunderwearoffinhishurry.

Hekissedherashiscockfoundheropening,wetandslickforhim.Ittooknothingatalltoslideintoher,
hiswholebodyrejoicingashefoundhiswayhome.

Sheliftedherhips,herfacerelaxingintothejoyofhiminsideher.Herquimsqueezedhimtightasher
handsclosedonhisass.

“It’sgood,”hegroanedagainstherlips.“It’sgoodtofuckyou,love.”

“Onething’smissing,”shemurmured,herhipsrockingtodrivehimevendeeperintoher.“Yourwings.”

Nicogrinned.Heletthemslideoutfromhisshoulderblades,feelingsatisfactionashestretchedthemto
theceilingandgentlyflappedthemdown.

Heenclosedtheminablack,featherycocoon,thesensitivetipsbrushingagainstherwarmskin.Patricia
smiledandbitintohisfeathers,causinghimtowinceandlaughatthesametime.

“Vixen,”hegrowled.“Likeitrough,doyou?”

“IthinkIdo.”

“Well,then,sweetheart,getready.”

Shelookedinnocent.“Forwhat?”

“Forme.I’mgoingtofuckyousohardyouwillbegformercy.”

“WillI?Idon’tthinkso.”

“Don’ttemptme,Patricia.I’llmakeyoupayforbeingsocute.”

“Oh,really?How?”

Heshowedher.Shescreamedandlaughedashemadelovetoher,thenspankedherassuntilitturned
cherryred.Thenhefuckedheralloveragain.Shewrithedandlaughedandlovedeveryminuteofit.

“Iloveyou,Nico,”shesaidasshesankbackintosleep.“Don’tgoyet.”

“Never.”

“Butyou’refreeofthecursenow.”Hereyesslidclosed,evenassheheldhimclose.“Youcango
anywhereyouwant,beanyoneyouwant.”

“I’mrightwhereIwanttobe,”hesaid.“AndwhoIwanttobe.Nico,withPatricia,thewomanIlove.”

Shetouchedhisface.“Doyoumeanthat?”

“Iplantospendalong,longtimeshowingyou.”

“You’reimmortal,moreorless,”shesaid.Hereyesweresad.“AndI’mnot.”

“Iknow.ButHeraowesmesomethingforthistortureshe’sputmethrough.Ifshewantsmetobetrueto
onewomanandloveherandheralone,shecanhelpme.ShecanletyoucometoOlympuswithme,and
becomeanimmortal.”

Patricia’seyesrounded.“Animmortal...”

“It’snothingI’llforceyouinto.Youmakethechoice.Likewise,Icanasktobemademortalmyself,soI
canstaywithyou.Itdoesn’tmattertomeeitherway—aslongasit’syouandmetogether.”

“That’salottothinkabout.”

“Takeyourtime,”Nicosmiled.“Idon’tmindwaiting.”

Shemused.“Ofcourse,ifIwasimmortal,Icouldbecomeafantasticantiquesdealer.Icouldputthings
awayforyearsandthenmakeakillingonthemarket.”

“Yousee?Advantages.”

“Makelovetomeagain.”Patriciaslidherarmsaroundhisbody,ticklinghimunderhiswings.“SoIcan
decideifIreallywanttotakethestep.”

Nico’sbodywarmed,hisstill-hardcockmorethanready.“Thiswillhelpyoumakeupyourmind?”

“Yes.”Patriciasmiled,herbluegreeneyeswarmandfulloflove.“ButI’llhavetobecompletelycertain,
soyou’llhavetodoitagain,andagain,andagain.”

“Oh,sweetheart,”Nicosaid.Heheldherwristsagainstthepillow,lovinghowhereyesdarkenedashe
slidintoheragain.“Asmanytimesasyouwantme.We’llhaveallthetimeintheworld...”

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

AllysonJameswritesbestsellingandaward-winninghistorical,contemporary,andparanormal
romances,award-winningmysteries,andhistoricalfictionunderseveralpseudonyms.Shelivesinthe
warmSouthwestwithherhusbandandcatsandspendsmostofhertimeintheworldofherstories.More
aboutAllyson’sbookscanbefoundonherwebsite,

www.allysonjames.com

,orcontactAllysonviae-

mailatallysonjames@

cox.net

.

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